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.