Clarity & Becoming: Atiya's Bracelet

As a child and especially once I hit my teenage years, I felt as though I moved through the world differently than others. I've always been deeply creative and sensitive but there were silent struggles I dealt with that I wasn't sure how to express. Sensory issues, trouble connecting with peers, and lots of anxiety were the norm for me. Having both two cousins and two nephews who had been diagnosed with autism, I started to really wonder if that was what I'd been going through too. It wasn't until I was well into adulthood, at age 27, that I found a local autism research center that did autism testing for adults. The process was daunting at first with lots of paperwork to fill out and two different psychiatric assessments but things moved quickly and I ended up being formally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Level 1 in 2022. I was relieved to finally have an answer after years of questioning. I don't view my autism as a hindrance to my life but simply something that's a part of me that I have to acknowledge and adjust to. I'm happy and thankful to be surrounded by friends and family who love and support me and to have the time and resources to attend regular therapy sessions - which have only improved my outlook and mindset.