My Journey of Going to School Unknowingly Autistic

📚I had a difficult time in school due to my undiagnosed autism, including anxiety, learning disabilities, and perfectionism.

🤝Teachers often miss the signs of autism in girls, such as learning disabilities, intense special interests, and high anxiety.

👭I struggled to form close friendships in school and often wandered between friend groups.

🏫The small class sizes in both my private Christian school and charter high school were beneficial for me as I could receive one-on-one support.

😔I experienced a major burnout and mental breakdown in my sophomore year of high school due to undiagnosed autism and personal challenges.

How did you cope with the difficulties in school?

—I coped by focusing on my studies, but it was challenging due to my high standards and anxiety. I also found solace in my intense special interests.

Did you face any bullying in school?

—Fortunately, I did not experience bullying in my small schools. However, it is important to address the issue of bullying in schools, as many autistic individuals are vulnerable.

How can teachers better support autistic students?

—Teachers should be trained to recognize the signs of autism in girls, such as learning disabilities, intense special interests, and social difficulties. Providing individualized support and accommodations can greatly benefit autistic students in their academic journey.

What advice do you have for other autistic students?

—Don't be afraid to seek help and advocate for yourself. It's important to understand your strengths and challenges and find strategies that work for you. Surround yourself with supportive people who appreciate and accept you for who you are.

How has being diagnosed with autism changed your perspective on your school experiences?

—Being diagnosed with autism has helped me understand why I struggled in school and why certain things were more challenging for me. It has also given me a sense of self-acceptance and allowed me to connect with a supportive autistic community.

00:00Introduction and background, including being diagnosed with autism at 24 years old.

02:32Describing my experiences of hating school, including anxiety and perfectionism.

07:12Overview of my school years at a small private Christian school and a charter high school with small class sizes.

11:26Discussing personal challenges, including a back injury, the passing of a close uncle, and experiencing burnout in my sophomore year.

13:42Coping mechanisms and finding solace in intense special interests.

16:05Lack of bullying in my schools and the importance of addressing bullying in general.

18:10Tips for teachers to better support autistic students, including recognizing the signs and providing individualized support.

20:35Advice for other autistic students, such as seeking help, self-advocacy, and finding supportive communities.

22:20The impact of being diagnosed with autism on my perspective of my school experiences.