Once upon a time, I had an enlightening experience that forever changed the way I view my autism and the world around me.
I was out with friends at a local festival. The music was loud, the crowd was intense, and the food aromas were overwhelming - a sensory nightmare for me. I spent the first couple of hours trying my hardest to fit in, suppress my discomfort, and just be "normal." I found myself spiraling, feeling trapped and isolated despite being surrounded by people.
Then, I remembered a small trinket I had in my pocket - a tiny fidget cube I brought with me. I started fiddling with it, focusing on the sensation of the buttons and switches. Suddenly, the world around me faded. It was like I found a personal bubble within the storm, a quiet space where I could breathe.
That moment was a revelation. I realized that trying to "fit in" and suppress my autistic traits was causing me more harm than good. I was placing an unnecessary burden on myself. Instead, embracing my neurodiversity and using tools and strategies that work for me was the way forward. The fidget cube, a small object some might consider a toy, was an essential tool that helped me navigate a sensory-overloading world.
This experience taught me an important lesson about being on the autism spectrum: there's no "one-size-fits-all" way to experience the world. We all have unique needs and coping strategies, and it's okay to use them. It's okay to be different because, in our differences, we find our strengths.
Remember, being authentically ourselves is not something to be ashamed of; it's something to celebrate.
