This is so helpful to read. I grew used to feeling isolated and misunderstood, and over time stopped speaking about myself. A lifetime of pretending. Even now when I try to tell anyone I'm autistic they don't take me seriously. Somehow, ADHD is more palatable, even to me. I learned to be funny, witty, different, "nice" but getting dx'd at 57 had meant a lot of grief! I can relate to so many of the episodes you shared. Thank you.