Hi there, I'm a sensitive, creative individual (almost a senior - she/her), who for years would now and again take the online quizzes on äre you autistic" and I would always be borderline. I found life getting physically and mentally more difficult since 2010, I developed Regional pain syndrome for 2 years after a fall and had help from neami in 2023, who organised assessment for autism without any prompting from me. They found a pro-bono psychologist and 6 months later I received my diagnosis; l also have ptsd/adhd/depression. I am so grateful that this resulted in my application for ndis being approved 2 weeks later because one year later I was diagnosed stage IV cholangiocarcinoma (liver-bile duct) and put on DHS. The treatment so far has been working, so I'm very happy about that.
Yes, as I went through the Autism assessment process the penny dropped a number of times, reminding me how awkward I felt as a kid and teenager, and how I flourished at primary school but totally bombed at high school and was asked to leave at 16. Breakdown at 18-21 and then finally I had at least 20 years of feeling "happy and normal". I moved around a lot which made it difficult to maintain friendships, and the whole idea of school reunions now leaves me cold, as it was not a good experience. I had a job as sewing machinist, ministry of housing, repertory theatre, security at a private school, pizza delivery, bv in a roy orbison tribute which was the high point for me. I create artworks and also music using MMM. I have been trying to finish a Sci-fi novel for 15 years and counting, lol. I'm much happier now in a lot of ways with the pressure off having to look for work, as the motivation for most things is difficult to muster, and still I feel very lucky and glad for the friends and life I do have. Oh and I'm a slight computer nerd, so I have a number of 'babies' that I tinker with. Long story. Thanks for listening.
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Retired (She/Her)
15 Jul 2025, 2:40 pm
