I might have autism.

I don’t know how to feel. I have been showing so much symptoms it’s maddening. I’ve been having these symptoms ever since I was a child as well, and they’ve been getting incredibly hard to mask. I can’t get a diagnosis at the moment because of my parents but I want to. I want to so badly.

If anyone wants to know the symptoms I’ve been experiencing for years and years are ;

I repeat words or phrases over and over
Having obsessive interests
I feel the need to have a strict routine and I get really sad when I can’t follow it
Sensitive to loud noises and certain noises, I get panicky and I need to cover my ears
I avoid eye contact
I have a hard time picking up other people’s emotions

I have more but they don’t come to mind at the moment

If any people who are diagnosed with autism want to share their thoughts with me or ask questions please feel free I want to do as much research as I can, more than the research I have already done

Notladylike

I strongly believe that self diagnosis is valid. Here a diagnosis is very expensive and out of many people’s reach. I have recently discovered I have adhd and likely autism. It’s helped me understand myself so much better. Most importantly how much masking was impacting on my physical health. Allowing myself regular breaks from masking has just been a game changer for me, after years spent being too hard on myself.
It’s hard existing in an NT world. Have you discovered any new coping strategies that help you to unmask?