Hiya, I'm Ponka!!

[Ponka]

It's very nice to meet you all! I am an Autistic gender-queer pagan teenager from the depths of Midwest America. I like animals, nature, soft things, smooth things, floral smells, woody smells, earthy smells, touch, collecting, researching, movie reviews/theories, anything witchy, the paranormal, frogs and so so much more!

At the age of 3, I was diagnosed with ASD, but more recently, I suspect I might have ADHD as well. My family loves me, but they also somewhat resent me for having a disabilities.. but were working through it! I'm also currently in trauma therapy for potential PTSD. My father wasn't the best with me, but fortunately I don't have to see him anymore. I'll probably open up about that later.

To many people, I'm considered a "high-functioning" Autistic, but in reality, I used to always see my disability as a "curse." I've just kinda learned to mask overtime, which has taken a great toll on me.. I've been trying to unmask my neurodivergent traits, now that I've realized masking is only dragging me down, and I think joining a community with other neurodivergent people will really help me progress in opening up.

Overall, I'm super excited to meet others here! I'd be more than happy to answer any questions or comments. Thank you!

- Ponka

 

[TBRS1]

Howdy, Ponka!

It's a pleasure to meet you!

 

[tree]

 

[Rodafina]

Welcome, @Ponka. I hope you enjoy AutismForums. I like your avatar. Frogs are so cool. There's a couple of American Bullfrogs that live behind my house that I've been visiting everyday.

 

[Gerald Wilgus]

Hi, @Ponka. I hope you find this community as supportive as I have. Having an understanding community feels accepting. The only other time I experienced that was when I joined some outings groups. Participation counted more than neurology and I found the people to be so quirky individualistic and welcoming that I felt safe (some, I realize now, were probably on the spectrum). I also met my future spouse on an outing.

 

[Kayla55]

What a cute profile pic! Welcome to the forum, hope the insight into ASD can help on your journey to self discovery.

 

[Aspychata]

So glad you found us. Welcome to the forum.

 

[SusanLR]

Welcome to the forum.
I like frogs too, and there are a lot of tree frogs that hang out around my pool area.
Of course, I like nature and animals in general anyway.
Hope you enjoy being here as much as I have.

Here's one of my little friends. They like living in the flowerpots.