Learn the difference. — Ever walked into a nursing home and observed how elders are treated? I have. I simply had no idea that I would soon be treated similarly when I was diagnosed with autism in 2021. Just to be clear, I am 25. When I first revealed that I had autism to…

Autism does not sum up who I am. Period. — Born This Way by Lady Gaga: I’m beautiful in my way ’cause God makes no mistakes I’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way Don’t hide yourself in regret, just love yourself, and you’re set I’m on the right track, baby, I was born this way (born this way)…

…you wouldn’t notice unless I told you. — Autistic women present differently to the neurotypical world than autistic men. They are often regarded as shy and are assumed to “open themselves up” to the world one fine day and welcome the absurdity of social norms and etiquette. It is easy to forget, however, that these (mis)conceptions of who…

So don’t tell me to “open up”. — “You should speak more. No need to be shy.” “You don’t hate people looking at you. You’re just shy.” “You’re just shy so stop being awkward around others.” “How come you are normal at home? Just stop being shy.” I can’t recall how many times I’ve heard these words from…

I’m different, and I know it. I’m awkward, unable to appropriately react and respond to social cues, norms, and rules—and I’m perfectly aware at the same time! — We human beings are set apart from other animals due to our capability to think, contemplate, and, most of all, be aware of ourselves as individuals. We think, therefore we are. That’s the whole point of the name scientists call us: Homo sapiens, aka. the wise human.

I guess there’s an end to everything. I’ve learned a lot from writing here, but it is time to move on. — I never imagined this would happen! What in the world is happening? I’m just a private person writing on Medium. I only made an account on Stripe because that was the only way I could get paid for my posts… If I knew how much trouble this would bring me…

I posted an excerpt of the first chapter of my novella on Reddit. Five minutes later, I deleted it. Why? Let me explain. — I love writing. It gives me a sense of purpose and goal. When I write, there’s no one to judge me or tell me what to do. But as soon as I have to share my writings with the world, I get into panic mode. Criticism is what I fear…

This is not the same as Trigeminal Neuralgia, by the way. This is something called PIFP (Persistent Idiopathic Facial Pain). — After being told by a neurologist that I suffer from idiopathic facial pain, I’ve been trying to figure out what’s wrong with me. …

Let’s get this straight: this article is NOT behind a paywall, so you’d better read it from start to finish. What is it about, then? I think the title speaks for itself. — Take a second look at the picture above; that’s how my desk looks most of the time. I always have something to drink, whether it is coffee, tea, or, even though I’m not very proud of it, energy drinks. I don’t really care for soft drinks though; I've never been…