Im 18F, I know self diagnosis is considered wrong but I've exhibited every single symptom of autism before I even had a concept of what autism was. I'm highly considering getting a diagnosis so I can talk about my experiences with lifelong sensory issues, communication issues and my other neurodivergent behaviours without being treated like I have some unserious pseudo disorder just because a doctor hasnt officially given me a label, but im honestly terrified for the assessment.

I never masked as a child, I still suck at masking today and i presented fairly obvious visible symptoms so my parents were either 1: Unobservant assholes or 2: Didnt want to have more than one autistic child (my younger brother is early diagnosed and has more stereotypical boy autism) so as the older sister Id just get told to get over myself and stop being "overdramatic". Obviously I never grew out of my issues I just learnt how to suffer silently.…