Autism for me has very bad days mixed with awesome days. I love being able to do artwork others admire. I hate being so hypersensitive to noise that I am unable to eat comfortably in a noisy restaurant. I hate having been fired for an autism breakdown after being with a company over 16 years. But I loved being the best at what I did while I was there.

Growing up without a dx made life unbearable most of the time. I hated not understanding others and not being able to join the crowds, I hated my nickname "weird Wendi" ... But I enjoyed being a teacher's pet. I enjoyed being great at science. I loved it when I knew things and the other kids who called me names asked me for homework help.

I hate having autism. But I love being ME. So I said Yes.