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Greetings Aliens & Earthlings

Garuda

New Member
Hello everyone. 53 in London, Uk.Diagnosed with High Functioning Autism in 2019 at 47 after a childhood and adulthood of cyclical exclusions, punishment and confusion. Masked so well I couldn't see it until the mask slipped, and then only in hindsight. I was determined to go beyond behaviour I previously thought was the product of childhood trauma. I understand now it's more of a double hit with trauma feeding autism and vice versa. It's confusing being able yet blind to certain things. Wouldn't change my brain for the world, just like to exchange the exhaustion and often endless struggle for what seems like the simplest things to others.
 
Welcome! Sometimes I wonder if many ASD cases are giftedness + early childhood trauma.
 
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Welcome! Sometimes I wonder if many ASD cases are giftedness + early childhood trauma.
Thanks! Not t sure there's a general rule, 6 of one, half a dozen of the other? In my case I knew I had a gift prior to realising trauma or being treated differently within the family. At 5 years old, I remember being surprised at the surprise of the Nursery teachers when I asked if the TV could be brought into class so I could watch the general election results. I had to be on point for the journalist I was led to believe was my father for decades; if I could satisfy his critique I was certain I would be included in the family. By 6 years old I realised getting it right would never be sufficient to escape his wrath or gain love. It was only then that I was aware of being treated differently which became normalised. From that point it was symbiotic and my gift helped me survive it and the trauma refined the gift.
 
First time I have knowingly spoken with spectrum folk, it's already a relief.
It's so much easier when you can talk to people that actually understand, welcome to the forum. I'm another one that watched politics from a very early age, although not out of some misguided attempt to please my father. Nothing ever pleased that man. :)
 
It's so much easier when you can talk to people that actually understand, welcome to the forum. I'm another one that watched politics from a very early age, although not out of some misguided attempt to please my father. Nothing ever pleased that man. :)
Hi and thanks. It really is, yet I was avoiding it since diagnosis. I am interested in information across the board, even though it was evident early on that he never would be pleased. My interest in things deepened regardless 😊
 
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Welcome, @Garuda

I think we ND folk all have trauma for one reason or another. Being more vulnerable to mental health issues certainly doesn't help. It's been a slog for me.
 

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