Female Autism

I’m having a difficult time right now mentally. I have been for the last three years. I always second-guess myself so I’m convinced I’m over-reacting about things while also being totally convinced I’m right.

I’ve been reading a lot about female autism in the last couple of days. The symptoms are slightly different in females compared to males because females tend to be great at masking their symptoms. It’s really clicking in my head that I might have it. It explains a lot of things growing up.

My mom thought I had OCD growing up because of some mild repetitive behaviors. I always HAD to have my clothes folded in triangles, but that’s just one example. I couldn’t eat certain foods on certain days, it was terrible if my sleep routine was messed with, and I just can’t seem to get back on track when I mess up my schedules. I get super nervous to make eye contact and I force myself to when I have a conversation with someone. I get hyper focused on things when I pick them up. I’ve had this issue with my current relationship, obsession with certain video games, and a hard time with anxiety and depression. I need to know it’s not all in my head, but I’m nervous to bring this topic to my psychiatrist because I’m worried she’ll think I’m wacko for thinking I have autism.

I’d just like to hear a different perspective from someone else, and I’m worried that if I talk to my family about it they’ll also think I’m losing my marbles.