Imagine not knowing you're an Aspie until you are 58, divorced, and broke. My psychologist thought no knowing was better. Maybe it was. I accomplished a lot in my career as a journalist and attorney. I have created several self-published books, two musical plays, and a regular blog, not realing that my personality is not geared toward success in these areas, at least without a great deal of help from a mentor. My siblings have basically ignored me and disrespected me, as have their children. I have an advanced degree, but just yesterday applied for food stamps.
I don't know how my life would have been different if I had known. Perhaps, I would have chosen carefully. Most people don't have a mirror. But the rear view kind is downright self-destructive. For an HFA in school today, looking to use their talents. I would say only this: Stretch yourself. The most famous and important human beings have been HFA: Einstein, Tesla, Zuckerberg, just to name a few. We, as a whole, have a greater impact on society than any other group. In that way, we are the chosen people. We must go forward because we are special. Don't ask the rest to understand, because they never will. It is that light of knowledge that keeps alive and moving forward. I continue to write my blogs, my books, my screenplays, read and learn everyday, knowing deep down that it will not support me financially, but that I am contributing to society in my own way. God has given me a gift of understanding that those others can never have. I will share it because God has given me the gift of written communication, and because that was I was born to do.