THEN and NOW

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Just a few noticeable things about:

THEN: As a baby I was the quite one of the family, I was just observing what was going on. I did not have a speak delay. I guess I just was not fond of talking.
NOW: At age 59 I am still the observer.

THEN: As I became older (6 years and beyond) I was intrigued by shiny things.
NOW: I still love shiny things; hence my unit is spotless and what can shine, I shine. Most likely my OCD traits kicking in. OCD for me is not an issue as I enjoy being so.

THEN: I would spend near all my time in my bedroom just sleeping or reading. For me the outside world was confusing.
NOW: Haven't really changed much, I still spend most of my time at home alone. Although I am alone, I rarely feel lonely. I have spent time travelling the world and most of Australia, but have no real interest to do either anymore.

THEN: As a child I believed that no one loved me.
NOW: Since being diagnosed of ASD in 2015 I have come to understand that there are people who do love me, I have to remind myself of that fact on a daily basis.

Can anyone relate to the above?
Perhaps you might like to tell me your THEN and NOW experiences.

Your first two could apply to me also. When I was little my grandpa gave me some keys with richly colored translucent plastic tops that gleamed like gemstones. I wish I could find them again, I'd still like to look at them.

THEN: As a young teenager, I was very quiet and often simply had no idea what to say to start or continue a conversation.
NOW: I know how to start conversations many times. I can keep them going for a short while (often this isn't needed with someone who picks up and leads, only occasionally asking me a question). Even when I think I'm my most talkative, I'm still known as the "quiet" one.

THEN: Pretty much no eye contact (not even with photos/people on television). I only became aware of it as mentioned in diagnosis. It was as natural as not looking at the sun.
NOW: Sporadic (or maybe strategic)eye contact. I can and do when it's necessary. Some people have a more piercing gaze that is still difficult to deal with and I'll look away or let my focus go fuzzy.

THEN: Obsessive, consuming special interest.
NOW: Goodbye special interests of all kinds.

THEN: (The single-digit years) Considerable ("sharp sounds") sound sensitivity. A balloon popping, Old Car starting, etc. would overwhelm me and cause me to burst out crying.
NOW: Sharp sounds still annoy me, some can be painful. Can't tolerate them well during repeated/prolonged exposure. Fortunately I don't cry from it anymore.

There may be more, but what I have should be boring enough.

THEN: As a child, my favorite book was about a Siamese cat. I was a cat lover early on.

NOW: I am still, and always will be, a cat lover.

I don't really want to talk about then and now stories, as I don't want to relive the past and I don't want to jeopardize my future. For all the things I have managed to accomplish, I am fundamentally no different than I was years ago. I am at a stage where I have plateaued in my development. Any changes that occur will only be small refinements. I will celebrate every new accomplishment.

Special interests in childhood: books and cats
As a teenager: I was always interested in learning the history of some country. Japan, Spain, Argentina and Greece were among the countries I studied in depth. In my 20s, I read a lot about Ukraine and Russia. Of course, I still loved animals, especially cats.
Now: Still as crazy a cat lady as ever. Now I like to watch and play tennis. My favorite players are Nadal, Federer and Istomin. Denis Istomin began a resurgence of interest in Russia. I have also read about Uzbekistan.

Thank you for your insight and comments IstominFan

You're welcome, Bob.