Hello everyone,

Today, I want to open up about something personal: my experience with high-functioning autism. Autism isn’t just one thing—it’s a spectrum, meaning each autistic person has their own unique combination of traits and challenges. “High-functioning” is a term often used to describe people on the autism spectrum who can live independently, communicate verbally, and adapt to everyday situations, even if certain aspects of life are challenging.

For me, high-functioning autism means I experience the world differently, though I don’t always appear “autistic” in the ways people expect. I may look like I’m coping fine in many situations, but the reality is that I’m managing a unique set of internal experiences and sensitivities every day. High-functioning doesn’t mean that I don’t struggle; it just means my struggles aren’t always visible to others.

One common misconception about autism is around empathy. A lot of people think that being autistic means lacking empathy, but for me, it’s quite the opposite. I’m highly empathic and can feel others’ emotions intensely. Sometimes it’s as if I can feel their energy on top of my own, which can be overwhelming but also makes me deeply connected to others. I often have to be careful to protect my own energy, especially in emotionally intense environments.

Being outspoken and blunt is another part of who I am. Honesty comes naturally to me, and I’m straightforward in conversations because I value clear, authentic communication. Some people appreciate this; others may find it too direct. Either way, it’s how I communicate best, and I’m learning to embrace it. This bluntness isn’t about lacking social awareness but about a genuine desire to be clear and real with others, even if it might seem intense.

Shops are one of my biggest hurdles. For me, shops are a sensory overload: crowds, bright lights, noise, and endless movement—it’s like a storm of sensations coming at me all at once. What might seem like a simple errand can feel unbearable, triggering a flood of input that’s exhausting to process. This isn’t just a preference; it’s an aversion shared by many autistic people due to our heightened sensitivity to sights, sounds, and even textures. I avoid shops whenever I can, which is my way of managing these sensory sensitivities.

Autism isn’t just about challenges; it’s also about seeing the world in a unique way. While it can make certain situations tricky, it also gives me traits I wouldn’t trade, like my deep empathy and my straightforward communication style. High-functioning autism might not be as visible, but it’s a huge part of who I am, shaping how I interact with the world around me.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my experience. Whether you’re autistic, neurotypical, or somewhere in between, understanding and respecting each other’s unique ways of being can make all the difference.

Best,
Abbie

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