Hi @gay_disabled_human i’m really sorry to hear that you’re going through such a difficult time with your father at the moment, it must be incredibly challenging to deal with the lack of understanding and support around your struggles with autism. Your feelings and experiences are completely valid, and you deserve to be heard and respected. Is there anyone in your life who has made you feel understood and heard? It can be helpful to have someone who truly listens and empathises with your experiences.
It's unfortunate that your father doesn’t seem to grasp the impact that sensory issues can have on your daily life. It can be so frustrating when someone close to you fails to acknowledge or accommodate your needs. I hear that it is also tough to deal with your parents’ problematic beliefs surrounding autism. You’re right that autism is not something that can be “cured”, rather it is an inherent part of a person’s identity. It is a part of someone that makes them unique, and though it may come with its challenges, it is something to be embraced and celebrated.
I'm sorry to hear about the difficult experience you had at Timezone, it's understandable that you didn't feel like engaging in the activities your father wanted you to. It’s more than fair that you want him to try to understand and accept your autism. It’s important that your loved ones recognise the impact these situations have on your well-being and make efforts to create a supportive environment.
While dealing with these tough experiences over the weekend I hope you were able to prioritise your well-being and make steps towards taking care of yourself. Remember that you are not alone, we are here for you.
Ps. We want to check in with you, please keep an eye out for our email 😊
