DancingAspie
New Member
Hey!!! My name is Ginger. I am 22 years old and a recent college graduate. I now work as an Early Childhood Special Education teacher. Since I was in preschool, I knew I was different. I was interested in abnormal topics or items, didn't understand how to talk and play with others, and picked at my skin or tore off the tips of my fingernails to cope. I did not feel comfortable with affection, even from family. My mom often told relatives she suspected I had autism when I was obviously uncomfortable with hugging. Throughout my Elementary school years, I had few friends, and no friendship was profound.
Finally, around the age of 10, I wanted change. I was tired of being the "boring quiet" girl who never got in trouble. Adults loved me, but wished I would speak more. Most kids shunned me or pretended to be my friend since I was smart and gave answers to school work. I studied the behavior of my peers and starting masking my behavior.
By the time I was in High School, I was a master masker. I felt energetic until I crashed when I was a Sophomore in college. My self esteem was badly affected because I put so much work into being a social butterfly and all of a sudden it became hard. After obtaining a degree in Special Education, I watched videos on autism to better understand it. I learned about women on the spectrum being underdiagnosed. I was able to relate to what many women had to say about sensory issues, social anxiety, love for routine, and special interests. This is how I discovered my unique qualities and learned to not only accept, but embrace myself!
Finally, around the age of 10, I wanted change. I was tired of being the "boring quiet" girl who never got in trouble. Adults loved me, but wished I would speak more. Most kids shunned me or pretended to be my friend since I was smart and gave answers to school work. I studied the behavior of my peers and starting masking my behavior.
By the time I was in High School, I was a master masker. I felt energetic until I crashed when I was a Sophomore in college. My self esteem was badly affected because I put so much work into being a social butterfly and all of a sudden it became hard. After obtaining a degree in Special Education, I watched videos on autism to better understand it. I learned about women on the spectrum being underdiagnosed. I was able to relate to what many women had to say about sensory issues, social anxiety, love for routine, and special interests. This is how I discovered my unique qualities and learned to not only accept, but embrace myself!
