Over the past year of searching for individuals like me, i have found many without having to look. the connections I made, temporary as they were unfortunately, have done wonders towards evolving me into the person I am today. I would typically follow that statement up with "and I like the person I am today." but quite frankly I am beginning to question that assessment.

I will start with my basic information. I was married for 20 years, with two kids, just got divorced (filed and moved out). Diagnosed with ASD at 40. I identify with AuDHD I'm quite sure that is what i have. I got diagnosed ADHD 6 months prior to the ASD diagnosis. Confirmed diagnosis with my younger brother and highly suspect my father and paternal grandfather were as well (Engineers, amiright? Lol.) I'm also fairly certain I've passed it on to so least one of my children. I am smart. I understand a lot about emotional intelligence and can present as such. The camouflaging aspect however means that I really do not understand anywhere near the level that I seem too. I am not being "understanding" or "a good partner, or even a "decent human being". Not for lack of trying. Even when i do my levelheaded absolute best maximum effort to give you what you want, even if its expressly what you have asked for, I will find a way to mess it up. I talk way too much, send long rambling messages, and present as just unhinged AF.

With that having been said, I notice my previously largest mental change after an anoxic brain injury. After being in a coma for a month, my ability to mask was severely compromised, resulting in my "true self" (the guy shouting crazy random syllables and sounds because a spoon in the sink just soaked him.) In kindergarten, this was presented as a stutter, however therapy this stutter all but went away. I've noticed when under stress my emotions (which I now know are almost all made up) vary wild and are all over the place because I do not have the energy.

Has anyone experience a thought pattern or behavioral shift after a TBI or Anoxic brain injury? If so, what is your experience?