Thread by @TicsnTatts

Subtle signs that could have indicated that I’m #autistic, but were missed when I was growing up…🧵

#ActuallyAutistic #Masking

Childhood:

- Overly shy.
- Only wanting one friend from a young age.
- Not understanding other’s intentions/real feelings.
- Reading the same series of books over and over.
- Being very talented at writing and art.
- Often in my own fantasy world.
- Being quite passive.

Adolescence:

- Playing games frequently and getting very upset if I couldn’t.
- Fitting in with the school outcasts, rather than the popular kids.
- Strange eating habits (e.g., eating the same food, not feeling hunger).
- Frequent overwhelm at school, but not outwardly shown.

- Mental health challenges (i.e., depression, social anxiety).
- Problems were internalised (e.g., often only shown at home, through my music choices or dress style).
- Perfectionist and very hard on myself.
- Very much a wallflower, not wanting to draw attention to myself.

There were likely more, and I acknowledge that everyone is different in how they present and interact with people.

This was purely my own experience, which may or may not resonate with others.