#Repost @rachelrose1248 with @repostapp Original comments below. ・・・ I felt so nervous about posting this since I first heard about it. I don't know why, because I revealed this information in my interview with Perfectly Pinned Up. But I guess what makes me nervous is the fear of people not believing me. Maybe that's it. I've become so good at appearing "normal" that I've become exhausted. I've become SO good at masking my symptoms. I didn't have to disclose this information about myself, but I wanted to. I wanted to because, quite frankly, if anyone who liked me before or claimed to be my friend all of a sudden doesn't like me because of it, at least it weeds out the fakes. And let me tell ya, it's really exhausting hiding you neurological difference. It's unhealthy, actually. SO that's why I'm sharing this with you. I have sensory issues. If more than one person talks at a time, I become confused and overwhelmed. If I'm in a store with bright lights, it hurts. If you poke me or tap me, I will feel pain. If there is too much input, I go on overload. I struggle with communicating. If I'm asked how I feel about something, I don't know how to describe it. I start to think about several different things at once and shutdown. Sort of like when there's too much stuff on your computer and it freezes. I struggle in social situations because I often don't understand the jokes or just plain feel uncomfortable or overwhelmed. It can be too much. I struggle with executive function. My working memory is not as sharp as I wish it was. Meaning, if you give me directions or a list, I will most likely forget them as well as become confused by all the words thrown at me. I can memorize songs, but I can't remember what you just said and may ask you to repeat yourself. I freeze up when I should be initiating a task because I don't know where to begin. This makes me appear lazy at times, when in reality, I just feel overwhelmed, confused, or I shutdown. I have more to say, but I'm running out of room & getting tired. If you're confused or just have questions, ask me. It's okay. #endthestigma #autism #aspie #actuallyautistic #neurodiversity

via Instagram http://ift.tt/2kUWVUF