People saw me as an academically gifted child, and I was awarded a free place at a prestigious Direct Grant school after doing exceptionally well in the 11+ exam. I struggled socially as a teenager but I went on to have a fulfilling (though disrupted) career and family life.
Aspects of my life which always mystified me (frequent job changes, few friends, sensory differences, meltdown, burnout, being targeted by bullies and abusers) were finally explained when I discovered that I was Autistic just before my 59th birthday. My life had started unravelling because of unaddressed trauma. I couldn't carry on any longer. It's no exaggeration to say that my autism assessment was life-saving.
I've spent the last 7 years getting to know myself better and unlearning unhelpful habits I developed trying to fit in. I live life Autistically now, prioritising self-care and maintaining healthy boundaries. This is only possible because I am relatively privileged. I was brought up female but now identify as gender fluid, neuro queer, non-binary. Rejecting traditional gendered and social expectations has been liberating too, reconnecting me with my early childhood, when I wanted to be called Jack, and my teenage years, when I enjoyed wearing men's clothes.
Solidarity with Autistic / neurodivergent people everywhere who are fighting for human rights, self-determination, and freedom from abuse.
Alt text: the photos above contain images of the same white person in different outfits and contexts from infancy to older age. The banner is a white feather on a pale background.