I'm happy you are sharing your story. It's like when i was talking to my mom last night; people who appear normal or neurotypical to others, it's as if our pain is invisible. Though i will say, having spirituality really helps me silence those thoughts that are more self destructive, because i don't want to feel like my thoughts have power over me, and instead, i have power over them. It helps that my mom is supportive of me and the friends she has are really cool and creative.

I also went to special ed classes from 1st grade to 9th grade they didn't have special ed classes in high school at my school district. I went to speech classes also. I didn't talk much when growing up. I was a quiet kid I didn't start talking till I was 6. They didn't know what was Wrong with me. When I was in my late 30"s I fainted I was rushed to er then week later I went to a regular doctor. I had a thyroid problem then he asked me how long have you had aspergers. I never knew I had high functioning autism till that day.

Great job! Don't let others discourage you. Follow your dreams. I have a younger brother who is also high functioning but he is 13. He has social problems sometimes but he is VERY smart. We tell him to not let anybody put him down and follow what he likes to do.

Good for you, never let the world get you down!
I dated a "high functioning" autistic once, it was a great experience.

❤!