I don’t think I ever knew what the expectations were. I’ve always been the weird odd one out and I’ve always been made aware of it. I don’t work any more, so I just do what I do and don’t care what anyone else thinks.

Donnie Darko

Autistic or ADHD or both. Saying this as someone who has recently got a diagnosis to explain my unwanted weird behaviour.

Box of tissues

Miracle Mile

Life sucks, and then you die.

Working towards fewer single-occupant cars will reduce traffic congestion.

R’amen

Ok then

In Australia, that word is commonly used but its meaning and offensiveness depend on context.

what kept you from considering autism

It just never occurred to me. My entire life, I knew that everyone else thought I was the weirdo, and I thought everyone else was square/strict/narrow-minded/ignorant.

Only a few months ago, I was reading about autism, trying to learn how to get along with my stepson who had come to live with us, and discovered that I matched every single behaviour described. Suddenly all the difficulties in my life, at school, at work, with friends, made sense, and I realised that I’m obviously autistic, and everyone else had always known, but no one told me.

Now trying to cope with this new understanding. If only I could have had help and guidance when I was young at school, when I started my career, maybe my life wouldn’t have been so difficult and messed up.