I was diagnosed at a pretty early age and that definitely made growing up pretty hard. Growing my social skills and empathy was definitely a challenge, but im at a place in my life where its gotten a lot easier. I'm actually pretty good at reading people now, though I will probably always hate big groups.
My husband is also on the spectrum so it's nice to have someone who gets when I am having a sensory overload and I understand his need for a lack of change. I tend to be the more outgoing of the two of us, but with how girls are socialized differently, autism tends to present differently. I actually work with a kids now. Some autistic, some just generally having a hard time, and it's nice to be able to offer a supportive adult presence that communicates to these kids that they are perfect the way they are. As an aside, I absolutely despise Light It Up Blue day, but that's mostly due to how much I despise Autism Speaks.
