Hi! I just saw this.. I am autistic person from South Africa, have been diagnosed since I was about 2.. I previously identified as having "Asperger's syndrome" but I don't fully agree with the term(if you want to know why I can send a whole reply on why), so now I am just autistic lol. Autism has had an effect on my social life(and still does), not because of anxiety but sensory issues. And OMG, I can relate. When I still went to school and it got loud, I'd cover my ears(sometimes I'd hide. In grades 2 and 3 I had a special corner where there was books to read. I spent most of recess there most of the time) or when I couldn't handle it, go into a shutdown(or if it was very severe, a meltdown). Sometimes in public places like restaurants, stores, or at church, I go into shutdowns if I don't wear earplugs(sometimes earplugs don't even help!). I was bullied back in 2017 and 2019, and that's why I started homeschooling(and because of autism). I hate it when people stare at me for stimming or using my sensory clay. I subconsciously isolate myself from others(It's getting better since I'm working on it!). I sometimes think of my birds as lil' ESAs. If you actually read this, TYSM it really means a lot!
~~Anè~~
