“How did your diagnosis affect you?”
The diagnosis itself didn’t impact me much – it only affirmed what I already knew. I mostly wanted a diagnosis so that when I talk to people about autism, I can spend less of that time convincing them I’m actually autistic.
What really affected me was learning that I’m autistic to begin with. It explained everything that was mysterious in my life, from problems to quirks to talents.
It was like learning for the first time that I’m actually an elf or a mermaid or a fairy. Moreover, learning that there’s nothing wrong with that… and that there are others like me! Plus, it opened the door to a whole world of information, resources, and advice, which have made my life so much easier.