Hello, all. Here to add to the emotional angst we all share. I was diagnosed late last year, and while it explains most of my behaviors and developmental hurdles, it's become a dirty word to me, and one that portions of my mind use to beat me with. The word 'autism' is followed with 'pathetic,' and I'm not sure what to do about it. I keep getting this notion of being a ship adrift the sea of life, and it depresses me.

I just needed to vomit this out so the mental obsessions would lift somewhat. This is a tough time right now, but I will find a way through it. Simply because I must and want to.

If you have any quirks that help you cope, I'd love to hear it.