Help Anyone on the autism spectrum?

[timeisnigh]

Your opinion is not gospel.

Speak for yourself, dude

Spoiler: Me

 

[The Abyss]

As an autistic myself this thread was quite alarming to read lmfao. Here to offer an alternative perspective: it literally makes no difference in my life being autistic. In fact, there are even benefits. There are pros and cons to being autistic AS WELL AS pros and cons to being allistic. Obviously this thread is going to be pretty one-sided but I do NOT appreciate users preaching their internalised ableism to everyone else. And preaching eugenics. Nah fam that ain't it. Sorry you feel like being autistic has made your life worse. But not everyone feels that way. So stop saying ableist shit and how we should all die. Autism isn't a mental illness. Your DEPRESSION makes your life seem awful not autism. Would love to discuss this with someone who won't just say that I should kill myself after fighting for 2 years to get a diagnosis of ASD. Your opinion is not gospel.

Care to explain this?

How to Protect Against 5 Suicide Risk Factors

For many suicide risks there are corresponding protective factors.

psychcentral.com

 

[timeisnigh]

Care to explain this?

(hand shoots up!) Oh, me, me, I can answer!

Cat might be fed up with this but is neither autistic nor pro choice

 

[The Abyss]

I have ADHD and a nasty case of OCD. If I'm not mistaken, ADHD is part of the spectrum. I might be mistaken, though. I don't remember.

Same area of the brain so there are ppl getting misdiagnosed as adhd rather than aspergers, same as aspies getting an adhd diagnosis instead.

I hold a theory that an extremely male dominated brain is aspie & an extremely female dominated brain is schizophrenic.

Logic & emotion levels not being balanced but off the charts 1 way leading to a deficiency in adjustment for the under represented side.

Can you be more specific to who which posts you are disagreeing with? This discussion hasnt all been one sided against autism.
Also, what brings you to a pro choice website whereby many are suicidal? You clearly arent affected by autism as you said it makes literally no difference to your life. And you dont seem to have the depression that is an incredibly common co morbid condition to autism. Would love to know how you stumbled across sanctioned suiced and became a member?

No. Adhd, (which i have too) is a neurodevelopmental disorder as is autism.
It has a high comorbidity rate with autism,as the two conditions overlap in symptoms quite a lot. Its very possible to have, and be diagnosed with the two. @catalepsy its possible you could have both disorders.

Your right, @Racon depression is a very common co morbidity with autism. This person above is actually the unbalanced one here, by ignoring that 80 plus percent of autistic people have severe mental health issues and are much more likely to commit suicide. Instead they are focusing on the minority that dont.
I think the main factors are early diagnosis. A child can get more support and understanding if they know earlier and not feel as weird or alienated, which would cause depression. Many of us went into our adult lives without a diagnosis, so we just felt different, weird and alienated. Its no surprise we would become depressed.
Also some people get lucky like you said by finding a super compassionate companion or friend, or have a good family behind them. And sadly id say financial circumstances would play a part.

You wanna see a successful aspie that is mostly happy? Find someone that is wealthy so they don't have to worry about financial stress & are not forced to go out & interact with the world (recluse), someone successful in relationships that is hardly ever struggling in that department (attractive), somebody that has turned their obsession into a career (savant falls under this category) & just does that while ignoring everything else or somebody that had parents that spent a lot of time with them from a very early age working through the things they will struggle with later in life & putting in double time effort to set them up mentally & skillwise to deal with it (early diagnosis, normalised).

 

[Mm80]

(hand shoots up!) Oh, me, me, I can answer!

Cat might be fed up with this but is neither autistic more pro choice

Im still waiting for a reply as to what brings cat here.
Like she said, it literally makes no difference in her life having autism, and its other peoples depression that is causing their problems, not autism. In fact im baffled as to why the username is catisfedupofthis.
A nineteen year old who lives with their parents, coming on this thread, and trying to tell people who have gone through hell with autism for a long time, that its ok, is pretty insulting tbh.

Same area of the brain so there are ppl getting misdiagnosed as adhd rather than aspergers, same as aspies getting an adhd diagnosis instead.

I hold a theory that an extremely male dominated brain is aspie & an extremely female dominated brain is schizophrenic.

Logic & emotion levels not being balanced but off the charts 1 way leading to a deficiency in adjustment for the under represented side.

You wanna see a successful aspie that is mostly happy? Find someone that is wealthy so they don't have to worry about financial stress & are not forced to go out & interact with the world (recluse), someone successful in relationships that is hardly ever struggling in that department (attractive), somebody that has turned their obsession into a career (savant falls under this category) & just does that while ignoring everything else or somebody that had parents that spent a lot of time with them from a very early age working through the things they will struggle with later in life & putting in double time effort to set them up mentally & skillwise to deal with it (early diagnosis, normalised).

True.
I have some hope for the next generation, but to come on here saying how great it is... probably a poster girl for tge national autistic society

 

[The Abyss]

Im still waiting for a reply as to what brings cat here.
Like she said, it literally makes no difference in her life having autism, and its other peoples depression that is causing their problems, not autism. In fact im baffled as to why the username is catisfedupofthis.
A nineteen year old who lives with their parents, coming on this thread, and trying to tell people who have gone through hell with autism for a long time, that its ok, is pretty insulting tbh.

True.
I have some hope for the next generation, but to come on here saying how great it is... probably a poster girl for tge national autistic society

Autism affects males worse than women, just check out the relationship or dating section on wrong planet or other autism focused forums, many women in relationships with NT guys expressing concerns yet the majority of males concerns are "how do I get a gf?". Just saying. Men are expected to be loud, confident, lead from the front & bottle up emotions & show a lack of concern for things bothering you, only fags cry etc... but if a woman wants to let it out, open up or be supported there are men willing to oblige; they're likely deemed facially ugly but that's another kettle of fish.

How do I put this, you could blend in better with autism in Japan rather than America, difference in cultural norms ya know.

 

[timeisnigh]

I just hope I have the ballsto end myself the next new moon

I've been writing up The Note, which I never thought I'd do, and cleaning things around my place. I don't feel any rush or pressure to go, not a compulsion to stay

 

[Deleted member 7141]

I AM

 

[nitroautnz]

I am too, the thing is every person on the spectrum will have a different issue related to it or not. Each background would have influence how a person deal with it too.

 

[muffin222]

How do I put this, you could blend in better with autism in Japan rather than America, difference in cultural norms ya know.

Not true. Japan is a high context culture where people are expected to "read the room" and follow unspoken social rules. Bullying is a extremely big problem there, and people who don't follow the rules and fit in the group are ostracized and shamed. Being Autistic in Japan is probably a nightmare

It's the truth, successful aspies generally had a lot of intervention early in life by NT family to help them fit in with society & overpower their "ticks" or are attractive to the point of odd behaviour being overlooked.

Just make an onlyfans account & there's no worry about holding a job down & workplace bullying, that's a perk tbf.

Also not true, sorry. I worked in modeling for 3 years with the "perks" and my mental health still spiraled to the point where I'm on this forum, wanting out of this life. Everyone wants to believe that there's some universal golden ticket to a happy life, but it's not always true. Odd behavior gets overlooked to a degree, but most people feel uncomfortable around people who seem normal on the surface, but behave strangely, even if they like how the person looks. Being an attractive female isn't always a panacea. Suffering comes in all shapes and sizes.

 

[CatIsFedUpOfThis]

Can you be more specific to who which posts you are disagreeing with? This discussion hasnt all been one sided against autism.
Also, what brings you to a pro choice website whereby many are suicidal? You clearly arent affected by autism as you said it makes literally no difference to your life. And you dont seem to have the depression that is an incredibly common co morbid condition to autism. Would love to know how you stumbled across sanctioned suiced and became a member?

No. Adhd, (which i have too) is a neurodevelopmental disorder as is autism.
It has a high comorbidity rate with autism,as the two conditions overlap in symptoms quite a lot. Its very possible to have, and be diagnosed with the two.

Your right, @Racon depression is a very common co morbidity with autism. This person above is actually the unbalanced one here, by ignoring that 80 plus percent of autistic people have severe mental health issues and are much more likely to commit suicide. Instead they are focusing on the minority that dont.
I think the main factors are early diagnosis. A child can get more support and understanding if they know earlier and not feel as weird or alienated, which would cause depression. Many of us went into our adult lives without a diagnosis, so we just felt different, weird and alienated. Its no surprise we would become depressed.
Also some people get lucky like you said by finding a super compassionate companion or friend, or have a good family behind them. And sadly id say financial circumstances would play a part.

Sorry I didn't see the rest of this thread until now. Yes I am autistic, I received a diagnosis of ASD at 15. Can't really prove that now can I.

Why is it so out there that I didn't come to SS due to my autism? I don't really need to explain myself to you. Or should I tell you the CSA in great detail? Would you enjoy that?

I apologise for my rash kinda pro-lifey post I made. I was pissed off cuz I came on this thread expecting companionship and found eugenics. I want to die because of my mental illnesses not my autism - that is just a part of myself, my personality.

My post was made in response to seeing multiple users saying how all autists should be bred out or killed. Nah not about that eugenics thanks

(hand shoots up!) Oh, me, me, I can answer!

Cat might be fed up with this but is neither autistic nor pro choice

Wow! So insightful! So smart! /s

You see mate you're mistaken because I am autistic AND pro-choice! Maybe you're pro-eugenics...?

Care to explain this?

How to Protect Against 5 Suicide Risk Factors

For many suicide risks there are corresponding protective factors.

psychcentral.com

Yeah but one of my points was that depression causes suicidality. Not the autism itself. So... I agree..?

, but to come on here saying how great it is...

I didn't mean for my post to be interpreted in this way. I just believe, personally, that there are pros and cons to being autistic, the same as not being autistic. Balance.

 

[timeisnigh]

Wow! So insightful! So smart! /s

Considering I'm right ...

You see mate you're mistaken because I am autistic AND pro-choice! Maybe you're pro-eugenics...?

You're autistic. You're not pro choice. I'm not pro eugenics.

Yeah but one of my points was that depression causes suicidality. Not the autism itself. So... I agree..?

Autism causes depression, pro lifer

I just believe, personally, that there are pros and cons to being autistic, the same as not being autistic.

there aren't

 

[CatIsFedUpOfThis]

You're not pro choice.

Autism causes depression, pro lifer

And how am I a pro lifer then? Because you disagree with me?

 

[Mm80]

Sorry I didn't see the rest of this thread until now. Yes I am autistic, I received a diagnosis of ASD at 15. Can't really prove that now can I.

Why is it so out there that I didn't come to SS due to my autism? I don't really need to explain myself to you. Or should I tell you the CSA in great detail? Would you enjoy that?

I apologise for my rash kinda pro-lifey post I made. I was pissed off cuz I came on this thread expecting companionship and found eugenics. I want to die because of my mental illnesses not my autism - that is just a part of myself, my personality.

My post was made in response to seeing multiple users saying how all autists should be bred out or killed. Nah not about that eugenics thanks

Wow! So insightful! So smart! /s

You see mate you're mistaken because I am autistic AND pro-choice! Maybe you're pro-eugenics...?

Yeah but one of my points was that depression causes suicidality. Not the autism itself. So... I agree..?

I didn't mean for my post to be interpreted in this way. I just believe, personally, that there are pros and cons to being autistic, the same as not being autistic. Balance.

Number one. I havent asked you to prove your autistic. So im not sure why your mentioning that you cant.
No i didnt ask for your life story and im not sure why your asking if id enjoy hearing it. Cheeky. I simply asked you what brought you to ss as you were super positive and unblanced about autism and said it doesnt csuse mental health issues. For us to interact properly on here we need a least a basic story.
Not everyone on this thread has linked eugenics wirh autism. I certainly havent. A balanced view is to accept the pros and cons of autism, which many of us have done.
I think the issue here is that you are claiming to have mental illness,serious enough to bring you to ss community, but are.completely separating it from your autism. Alnost as if aurism is some kind of quirk or personality trait, that has no knock on effect.
Many of us here believe autism to be much more central to who we are, and the problems weve faced, and it has had a profound effect on our lives, causing mental health issues.
It might be worth bearing in mind.

 

[The Abyss]

Yeah but one of my points was that depression causes suicidality. Not the autism itself. So... I agree..?

By that admission you're agreeing with the article & depression is way higher amongst those on the autism spectrum than their Neurotypical peers & as such suicide rates, now the question then is why is this so, could it be that the shortcomings the average high functioning autist is known for & so you get the stereotypes, well they're a response to being burdened with autism.

The condition itself isn't the issue, it's how the world treats you in response to having it & not being well adapted to fit in with the Neurotypical way of the world that has been cultivated over millenia, those in a minority are doomed to struggle against the masses.

Regular autists get noticed early on so preventative measures are taken or they're never expected to be independent & are catered for to a degree but a so called high functioning diagnosed later in life had to struggle with no concessions, exceptions or understanding for the inner turmoil that doesn't express itself like a wheelchair bound individual or the blind. I'm not comparing the severity of these conditions, simply drawing your attention to the fact that physical disabilities are taken seriously for they can be seen but mental conditions are felt and if you have not felt it yourself have no bearing on how bad it can be.

A short person would not be expected to reach the product on the top shelf without the assistance of a stool or taller person stepping in but someone that can't "read the room" or comes across as awkward or weird; perhaps feeling severe anxiety in a crowd is supposed to just suck it up & get on with it, madness. Perhaps if the world wasn't so fucking negative towards those on the spectrum these mental illnesses would be less likely to kick in.

If that part of the brain is damaged & therefore different to the majority it's not a long shot to imagine that perhaps the brain functioning also responsible for mental states too is out of whack & so you get more depression, anxiety & suicidal thoughts, a bit of both.

 

[kqlysrsly]

Bit harsh don't you think?

Truth is harsh and often sting.

Humans (hairless apes) are social animals. Being social is thus a great big part of life.

 

[CatIsFedUpOfThis]

Number one. I havent asked you to prove your autistic. So im not sure why your mentioning that you cant.
No i didnt ask for your life story and im not sure why your asking if id enjoy hearing it. Cheeky. I simply asked you what brought you to ss as you were super positive and unblanced about autism and said it doesnt csuse mental health issues. For us to interact properly on here we need a least a basic story.
Not everyone on this thread has linked eugenics wirh autism. I certainly havent. A balanced view is to accept the pros and cons of autism, which many of us have done.
I think the issue here is that you are claiming to have mental illness,serious enough to bring you to ss community, but are.completely separating it from your autism. Alnost as if aurism is some kind of quirk or personality trait, that has no knock on effect.
Many of us here believe autism to be much more central to who we are, and the problems weve faced, and it has had a profound effect on our lives, causing mental health issues.
It might be worth bearing in mind.

I know my experience isn't universal, however I was only seeing one sort of experience listed here and that is why I posted mine, not to be argumentative or preach-y; I don't remember seeing yours so idk what your personal experience with autism is. My original post wasn't really directed towards you then if you weren't being eugenics-y, I don't really know why you responded.

But besides that. I don't personally see being autistic as one of the causes of my mental illnesses. Perhaps it is and you are right, but personally I would never know as there are many components all leading to it, as I'm sure is true for many people. I think my autism would've caused me struggles in life regardless - and it does now don't get me wrong. As you so aptly described me a "nineteen year old who lives with their parents" yknow clearly my executive functioning and social skills and all the other autism things aren't there. However I do see autism more as a core part of me, of my personality. Many people might identify with it being a separate part to them, but I, personally, feel that it is inseparable. My personality would be completely different if I wasn't autistic. But my mental illnesses are not a part of me and don't define my personality (even if it seems like they are my whole personality). I would say some bullshit about how 'when I recover' but I don't believe I will so cba to write all that.

 

[Mm80]

I know my experience isn't universal, however I was only seeing one sort of experience listed here and that is why I posted mine, not to be argumentative or preach-y; I don't remember seeing yours so idk what your personal experience with autism is. My original post wasn't really directed towards you then if you weren't being eugenics-y, I don't really know why you responded.

But besides that. I don't personally see being autistic as one of the causes of my mental illnesses. Perhaps it is and you are right, but personally I would never know as there are many components all leading to it, as I'm sure is true for many people. I think my autism would've caused me struggles in life regardless - and it does now don't get me wrong. As you so aptly described me a "nineteen year old who lives with their parents" yknow clearly my executive functioning and social skills and all the other autism things aren't there. However I do see autism more as a core part of me, of my personality. Many people might identify with it being a separate part to them, but I, personally, feel that it is inseparable. My personality would be completely different if I wasn't autistic. But my mental illnesses are not a part of me and don't define my personality (even if it seems like they are my whole personality). I would say some bullshit about how 'when I recover' but I don't believe I will so cba to write all that.

Thanks for the honest reply.
I replied as i felt a little annoyed that you were so pro autism, i felt it was a bit of a kick in the teeth to us that have struggled because of it. Thats why i pointed out your age and that you live with your parents. That was a bit patronising so apologies for that. Your opiniion is just as valid as anyone elses regardless of your age or life experience. I agree that eugenics is taking it too far. I dont agree that the only answer to autism is everybody with it ctb. Some people with autism do find meaning in life and im happy if one of my fellow aspies finds happiness.
I am a littled bit baffled that you say your mental illnesses are not a part of you though? I accept they may not fully define your personality.

 

[CatIsFedUpOfThis]

Thanks for the honest reply.
I replied as i felt a little annoyed that you were so pro autism, i felt it was a bit of a kick in the teeth to us that have struggled because of it. Thats why i pointed out your age and that you live with your parents. That was a bit patronising so apologies for that. Your opiniion is just as valid as anyone elses regardless of your age or life experience. I agree that eugenics is taking it too far. I dont agree that the only answer to autism is everybody with it ctb. Some people with autism do find meaning in life and im happy if one of my fellow aspies finds happiness.
I am a littled bit baffled that you say your mental illnesses are not a part of you though? I accept they may not fully define your personality.

Glad we cleared that up thanks I recognise I didn't really communicate that well. Always had trouble with talking to fellow autists!
In regards to my mental illness comment: yes I do see them as a part of me but not like, integral to me. It's more something I'm afflicted by rather than my personality or my autism which I see as me, my identity. I don't tend to include my illnesses as part of my identity. Does that make sense? Not sure

 

[Mm80]

Glad we cleared that up thanks I recognise I didn't really communicate that well. Always had trouble with talking to fellow autists!
In regards to my mental illness comment: yes I do see them as a part of me but not like, integral to me. It's more something I'm afflicted by rather than my personality or my autism which I see as me, my identity. I don't tend to include my illnesses as part of my identity. Does that make sense? Not sure

I think so yes.
So your a person with depression rather than a depressed person sort of thing ?
Dont worry about the communication issues we are dogshit at communicating lol.
Ive just started a new job in an office and its fucking hell.
You have to make small talk, pretend your interested in bullshit. Talk about yourself when you have nothing to say. Play stupid get to know you games, and laugh at shit jokes. Plus bite your tongue when you want to say something stupid because youre so bored. Awful.

 

[musicalpriest]

I have Asperger's. There is no treatment really, just strategies to manage the symptoms. I went under the radar for years because I'm a girl and the symptoms presented in a more "socially acceptable" manner (e.g. I was able to mask effectively for a while).

I disagree that girls with autism "do fine" just because we're girls. Being a girl has generated more problems for me because people expect more from me socially; they expect me to be normal and to just KNOW what the social rules are. I lack social graces and tact, apparently, which turns people away. I have no friends because other girls tend to ostracize me from groups or outright harass me in the worst case scenario.

I don't see how being a girl in any way makes autism more bearable, and I'm curious as to why people would propose that to be true

I'm curious when you talk about your diagnosis. I haven't been diagnosed, but I have a difficult time socializing and it is difficult for me to make friends.

When you say you lack social graces and tact, can you explain what you mean? I'm extremely straight forward and direct. I am usually ostracized within the workplace and in my family -- I feel pretty gaslit all of the time.

I'm also a woman and I agree that it doesn't make life any easier. I mean, maybe if I was attractive my quirks would be seen as "charming", but who knows? I also feel like every time I have a reaction to something, I'm often scolded for it and get reprimanded harder than other people who make the same faux pas.

 

[Worthless_nobody]

Me :( I have been diagnosed 3 different things Asperger's (definitely had all classic childhood symptoms) borderline and ptsd. They all make sense because I have characteristics of all of them. Sadly I have not found and help or treatment. Benzos helps the most out of all meds because I'm calmer but the withdrawal and tolerance is terrible.

 

[timeisnigh]

@Mm80 & @CatIsFedUpOfThis good on you both for burying the hatchet

 

[Mm80]

@Mm80 & @CatIsFedUpOfThis good on you both for burying the hatchet

❤

Thanks us autists have to stick together lol.
Misunderstanding (really? With autism) the cat thought we all believedautistic people shoukd be taken out of tge gene pool and i believed tgat tge cat was minimising the suffering that autism has caused many of us.

 

[Raminiki]

Had a conversation with my counselor. She has done all this research on women on the autism spectrum. Apparently autism manifests differently in women than in men, and it is underdiagnosed, often mistaken for other things like BPD, bipolar, anxiety disorders, etc.

She suggested the my problem all these years was misdiagnosis, and that she can help with autism. She's selling this whole scenario as hope, and I'm not sure I can buy it.

Anyone else on the autism spectrum? Is there treatment that actually helps??

I've been diagnosed with autism, and also with bipolar, BPD and anxiety. Comorbid conditions. I'm royally effed by my genes and the environment I was raised in.

Female, and I must have been able to mask to some extent, because my diagnosis came well into adulthood, and I've therefore had zero support. Still have zero support, but at least I know why life is so difficult and torturous to navigate. My trauma experienced growing up as an undiagnosed female autist has severely disabled me. I will never be a productive member of society.

When I received my diagnoses, I broke down knowing nothing could be done to fix me, that I had to live with this until my dying day.

 

[Mm80]

I've been diagnosed with autism, and also with bipolar, BPD and anxiety. Comorbid conditions. I'm royally effed by my genes and the environment I was raised in.

Female, and I must have been able to mask to some extent, because my diagnosis came well into adulthood, and I've therefore had zero support. Still have zero support, but at least I know why life is so difficult and torturous to navigate. My trauma experienced growing up as an undiagnosed female autist has severely disabled me. I will never be a productive member of society.

When I received my diagnoses, I broke down knowing nothing could be done to fix me, that I had to live with this until my dying day.

Can relate to the bit about a late diagnosis and the despair it causes.
You are autistic. You have been all your life but was missed. Now go and get on with it.

 

[CatIsFedUpOfThis]

I think so yes.
So your a person with depression rather than a depressed person sort of thing ?
Dont worry about the communication issues we are dogshit at communicating lol.
Ive just started a new job in an office and its fucking hell.
You have to make small talk, pretend your interested in bullshit. Talk about yourself when you have nothing to say. Play stupid get to know you games, and laugh at shit jokes. Plus bite your tongue when you want to say something stupid because youre so bored. Awful.

Yeah exactly. A lot of people have that with autism like autistic person or person with autism. Personally I prefer autistic person cuz if I wasnt autistic I would be completely different person, however with depression I don't feel that affects my personality, more so buries it and dulls it.

My communication is soo poor but the neurodivergency team said it was fine cuz I can hold a conversation. I was like are u joking mate. And omfg that sounds awful. Honestly as I've got that little bit older I've just said 'fuck it' and just started being really blunt with people hahaha. Sometimes there are allistics who appreciate that apparently!

 

[Mm80]

Yeah exactly. A lot of people have that with autism like autistic person or person with autism. Personally I prefer autistic person cuz if I wasnt autistic I would be completely different person, however with depression I don't feel that affects my personality, more so buries it and dulls it.

My communication is soo poor but the neurodivergency team said it was fine cuz I can hold a conversation. I was like are u joking mate. And omfg that sounds awful. Honestly as I've got that little bit older I've just said 'fuck it' and just started being really blunt with people hahaha. Sometimes there are allistics who appreciate that apparently!

Whats an allistic ?

 

[muffin222]

I'm curious when you talk about your diagnosis. I haven't been diagnosed, but I have a difficult time socializing and it is difficult for me to make friends.

When you say you lack social graces and tact, can you explain what you mean? I'm extremely straight forward and direct. I am usually ostracized within the workplace and in my family -- I feel pretty gaslit all of the time.

I'm also a woman and I agree that it doesn't make life any easier. I mean, maybe if I was attractive my quirks would be seen as "charming", but who knows? I also feel like every time I have a reaction to something, I'm often scolded for it and get reprimanded harder than other people who make the same faux pas.

Yes, I will get back to you on this when I have the time and energy to post a helpful reply

 

[Ghost2211]

I understand to be honest. My brain gets messed up from what they like to call migraine aura, but it's too often for me to buy that bs. My brain just broke one day. I get transit global aphasia... look it up. It's literal hell. I know how awful it is to not be able to communicate how you intend. Hell, typing this took me 20 min because my brain just won't process what I want to say.

Man, your guys posts give me a hard pill to swallow about society and autism. Doctors love to feed parents like me rainbows about how our children will have a "normal" life. Maybe when covid ends I can look into work with autistic children to help more parents understand, and hopefully help less people hate themself for society's failings.