Am I Autistic? Signs, Self-Reflection, and What to Do Next
Have you ever been in a situation where you have questioned yourself, am I autistic? Yes, many of us have been through this question.
We spend years quietly wondering if something about us is just different. We tend to get overwhelmed in social settings, or struggle to understand unspoken rules.
Have you ever felt not being able to cope up with the surroundings despite being your best?
Well, it is never too late to explore the possibility and understand yourself in this era of technology where information is readily available and on the go.
This article aims to offer guidance, clarity, and support to anyone wondering if they might be on the autism spectrum.
Why You Might Be Asking “Am I Autistic?”
You might be wondering if you’re autistic for many reasons:
- You have always felt out of step in social settings
- You struggle with change or have strong preferences for routine
- You find it hard to understand social cues or small talk
- You have intense interests or hobbies
For many, the realization comes after seeing a child or friend diagnosed, or after encountering experiences that are deeply relatable.
An inspiring story, from an autistic perspective
Sophia always felt a little different, though she couldn’t explain why.
As a child, she often stayed indoors while the neighborhood kids played outside. She sat beside her grandfather in the sunlit corner of the living room, sorting his old coin collections.
As Sophia grew up, life got louder, messier, more confusing.
Group projects in school were a nightmare. She never knew when it was her turn to speak, or why people rolled their eyes when she did. At lunch, while others gossiped or laughed over meaningless stories, she longed to talk about the something real.
She got good at pretending, though. After finishing the daily chaos, she would come home and collapse in her room, physically exhausted but unable to explain why.
One Thanksgiving, now in her twenties, Sophia sat at the family table, picking at her food. Her cousin had changed the seating arrangement last-minute. She was near the kitchen door, where pots clanged and people rushed by.
Her skin crawled and made her feel anxious. Her grandfather noticed. Quietly, he reached over, placed a gentle hand on hers, and whispered, you used to do that when you were little too.
That night, Sophia couldn’t sleep. Something in Grandpa’s words echoed. She Googled, “Why do I feel overwhelmed by noise and social events?”Then, “Why do I hate change?”and finally, “Am I autistic?”
The next morning, Sophia made tea and sat on the porch with Grandpa.
“I think I might be autistic,” she said.
Grandpa smiled and responded, “I don’t know much about that. But I know you. And you have always seen the world a little differently. That’s not wrong — it’s beautiful.”
The next time someone asks you, Am I autistic, share this article for together we can create a world that’s more understanding, inclusive, and supportive for everyone.
Ruby Joseph editor
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