just a mere cat 😷 #LütziLebt 

I'm thinking about something (I'll will toot about it in a follow-up). So here's a little #poll for #ActuallyAutistic folx:

Would you say that being autistic forms a part of your own identity?

@actuallyautistic (please boost, for people that are not on the group)

very much
56.7%
rather yes
29.1%
rather no
7.9%
not at all
6.3%
Poll ended at .
Jun 4, 2023 at 8:36pmWeb
Show threadAntonius Marie ⚧Jun 4, 2023
@maxi talking it over with my spouse (also autistic, but was diagnosed long before I was), I have a feeling that I won't *talk* about it as much in a few years. But I've had 40 years where I had no idea that the whole "are we sure I'm not an alien?" actually was me being autistic, so I've got some catching up to do >.>
Show threadAutistic Book ClubJun 4, 2023

@maxi @actuallyautistic It's been nearly 10 years since my adult diagnosis, and I am still talking about Autism! 🥳

For many, IMO, it remains a special interest. Which isn't surprising as it's the lens through which we experience life.

Yes, it does form an intrinsic part of my identity.

#AutisticIdentity

Show threadBill Taroli Jun 5, 2023
@maxi To the extent that being #ActuallyAutistc affects how I perceive and interact with the world, it would very much affect my identity, or at least how others see it…. and how I feel it. @actuallyautistic
Show threadGed|NetJun 5, 2023
@maxi @actuallyautistic Only after letting my eldest know he was 'officially' autistic did he start to show a different character. Not better, not worse - just different.
He's been attending a school for autistic kids for a number of years and felt he wasn't included until he got his official diagnosis. I don't too much about it. He tells me in dribs and drabs.
But remembering how he finally felt like he belonged struck me as a good thing.
His confidence levels have risen, I can tell ya!