Thank you, forum members

[anon10648258]

I’ve always thought of my self-identified autism as a “shameful thing” and it was just a weird side of me that I should never talk about. I thought I was just off and weird, and that’s just how I was. I wasn’t proud of how I acted around people, and I was so frustrated when I’m making eye contact with people. These situations made me extremely depressed and I hated it.

When I was starting to hear voices, these symptoms just got 1000% worse but I never thought that stimming or other autism-related calming techniques could help. And I tried…and it helps. So much.

I’m done with hiding my ■■■■ away from people. I have autistic traits…so what? I’m not required to please others who are not autistic, nor required to make others to feel comfortable. I’ve decided to embrace my autism.

Thank you, forum members, for making me feel less alone. I know that this is a sz forum but it makes me feel at ease. I’m not so ashamed of my “weirdness” anymore. Although it will take time for me to beat the ■■■■ out of my internalized ableism, it’ll take time. Thank you, forum members.

[Artsygal]

You don’t seem weird to me. You sound super cool. Sounds like you are at a point of self acceptance! That’s awesome.

[anon10648258]

Thanks! You are awesome, too! You got this!

[anon97859349]

Thank you for sharing about your Autism. My children are Autistic and they feel the same way as you do. It makes me sad to hear them refer to themselves as weird. Autistic people are sensitive and the sweetest people you will ever meet. There is a lot to love about you @anon10648258!

[anon10648258]

Thanks @anon97859349! My mom and I had to talk about this and we agreed that I was autistic from a young age. She also thought I was autistic but I didn’t have any developmental delays. I just love how we’re all diverse out here.