I had a retainer during my teen years and, though I didn't know I had autism at the time, I absolutely hated it. I couldn't stand the feeling of it in my mouth, and was grossed out when I'd take it out to clean it. So you're definitely not alone in this. I didn't find anything to make it more bearable but I hope you'll find ways of managing it! 💜

oh absolutely, I have a permanent retainer right now, and it's awful!