Oh! Prepare for incoming dump re my experience! (Which as I’ve learned, is not about making the situation all about me, but in expressing my understanding & empathy & contributing material to the conversation.)
I had heard about it but only really found out what it was when, wait for it, I was listening to a podcast. Ironic. I never used to “do” podcasts. I used to listen to music, the news & reasonable quality radio programs (as opposed to inane stuff) while driving to work, but it’s not where I go for information. I prefer to read, or even watch a screen where watching people speak helps to engage & hold my attention.
I like lectures, but used to take copious notes at uni & even take a notebook & pen to public lectures & talks. Writing notes helps me process & remember what I’ve heard.
I started listening to podcasts when some on neurodivergence were recommended to me, but they only “work” if I’m on my exercise machine. Even then, I find myself wanting to take notes &/or read the transcript afterwards.
During my teaching studies, I was told to always write instructions onto the board to ensure that students who struggled with verbal instructions had another resource. So naturally, as a teacher who was autistic but totally oblivious to that fact, I did so.
I love written instructions, lists etc, & directions. Tell me how to get somewhere without showing me a map, & I’ll get lost. And while I can follow GPS instructions, I really, really dislike them.
Us later diagnosed people have become so good at developing strategies that clearly help, but mask our issues, even from ourselves.
The weird thing is that I can engage in vibrant conversations (but difficult discussions are better done in instalments, sometimes with written reflections.)
I think we get this idea in our head that various conditions should be easily recognised & diagnosed. We don’t allow for the fact that we can be very good (or somewhat capable) at devising strategies without even realising that we’re doing so. They’re just “the way we do things”. Then someone points something out or we have an epiphany…