Alien in a Neurotypical World: One Aspie's Story of Finding Belonging

Feeling like an alien from another planet. That is how I have always felt my whole life.

I've always felt misunderstood. Not sometimes, but always, and for a long time, I didn't know why.

Growing up, I felt awkward and out of place.

I excelled academically, but I didn't enjoy school. I didn't like crowds or noise. I just didn't fit in. I had a really tough time understanding the people around me. I felt like an alien on another planet.

Books were my constant companion, blocking out the noise, people, and confusion. I carried them everywhere - to family gatherings, the store, school, in the car. With books, I could be myself.

When I finally found out I have Asperger's as an adult, it felt like someone had switched on the lights for me. I felt a huge sense of relief and was finally able to understand and know myself. Although, there were nights where I would cry uncontrollably at the thought that nobody would ever be able to understand me.

I am blessed to have close friends now, and I've also been lucky to meet other Aspie friends who do understand me. It has been a very long journey, but finally, I have come to accept myself for who I am and love myself for me.

"Be your unapologetically weird self." - Chris Sacca

#Unity #Neurodivergent