honestly I'm kind of with you. I've struggled for a long time to accept myself as autistic, especially since I grew up being bullied for how "weird" I was. I think my favorite thing is that it makes me a "beacon" of sorts for other kids that are different. unmasking and being openly myself makes other people feel safe being themselves around me, and I think that's really beautiful! it makes you very vulnerable, and it's scary, but it can be so worth it. I also really love my different ways of showing affection. I don't have to be actively talking to someone or curled up with them to show I care, sometimes that stuff stresses me out more. but when I show people things that I like, or even just sit with them in silence as we do our own thing, that is when I feel most connected :) and maybe this is a cliche answer, but I do feel like it makes me more creative. I can think of out-of-the-box stuff that my allistic friends and family can't. and sometimes that helps me teach them a new way of viewing things, and my mom always talks about how nice that is

I struggle with discrimination Alot. I'm not diagnosed cuz I can't get one where I'm from cuz I'm too high functioning they said. I'm still persuing my diagnosis but I stuggle really hard without it. People often compare me to make children when autism and when I don't match up to them they tell me I'm not autistic and that I'm just a weird asshole. It's hard. My family tells me I'm using my autism as an excuse but won't help me manage meltdowns and often antagonize me when I'm in one sending me further into crisis.

I know it's hard. Trust me I beat myself up to this day, but unapologetically be yourself man.

I feel this way as well. My autism makes my life hell. Would much much rather not be autistic. I don’t think that will ever change.

I'm more worried about my expressive language disability

I guess some part of me struggles dealing with an ableist society. But I am proud of myself for my mind set and how I think. I think it'd funny I think of stupid things out of no where, with 0 context. I have a more logistic point of view but I'm never biased to any side of a story when it's told, and many people lack the trait of true balance and unbiased opinions. I may struggle with socializing but somehow I've magnetized people to me, and I have plenty of friends I accidentally made. The best part is ever since I was diagnosed, I have a name for what I couldn't explain for so long.