Family History 

• My husband and friends have speculated that I might be on the autism spectrum. 
• My counsellor believes I am autistic and has offered support. 
• My nephew is autistic, and both my brother and I suspect that he and our father may be as well. 

Social Communication and Interaction 

• I have difficulty identifying and managing my own emotions. 
• I often say inappropriate things in conversations, such as oversharing or making untimely jokes. For example, during a meeting the conversation turned to the football; I was asked whether I watched football, I replied “no, I rather watch rugby, it’s more like soft porn” before I could catch myself. There was awkward laughter: not a suitable comment for the office. 
• I struggle with knowing when it’s my turn to speak, when it is ok to change the subject, and when a conversation is over. 
• I sometimes talk over people or sit in silence, unsure of how to contribute. 
• I am unable to accurately read my husband’s emotions and often misinterpret social cues. One person in a meeting is usually ok, two is a struggle, three or more is impossible. With my husband I will often have a number of emotional responses that I’m feeling, each having a number of possible response to what is said, then I have to take into account that what I say may make him feel something and it all gets too complicated and the conversation has moved on.
• While someone else is speaking, my brain often provides book and film references and quotes, as well as plays music, making it very difficult to concentrate on what’s being said. This internal music can also keep me awake.
• I prefer online messaging as it allows me to control the pace and reflect on my responses. 
• I become highly excitable and dominate conversations in meetings that interest me, but minimally participate in those that don’t. Audio only is very difficult, video is slightly better, but a lot of the body language is missing, in person is best for a meeting. 
• I use reminders and a diary to keep track of social obligations and avoid forgetting important commitments. 

Restricted, Repetitive Patterns of Behaviour, Interests, or Activities 

• I exhibit repetitive behaviours such as finger drumming, leg juddering, and finger chewing. 
• I have a strong preference for routine and feel distressed by unexpected changes or disruptions. Last minute changes can be very distressing; I can fulfil my responsibilities Portuguese they fit into the routine. If the routine is disrupted it becomes very hard to regulate my emotions – I am likely to feel frustrated and I feel rage. 
• I have childhood interests in collecting and storytelling, which have evolved into adult interests in programming and blogging. 
• I have a strong need for routine to sleep and prefer a specific wind-down process. 

Sensory Sensitivities 

• I am sensitive to background noise and bright lights. 
• I often use headphones to dampen noise and avoid distressing sounds like vacuum cleaners and extractor fans. 
• I have strong reactions to scents, both natural and artificial, which can affect my social interactions. 
• Emotional anxiety and stress can trigger migraines. 

Executive Dysfunction 

• I struggle to focus when starting new tasks, especially those I am not interested in. 
• I am easily distracted and find it difficult to switch between tasks without becoming grumpy or overwhelmed. Telephones are the worst for this as it can take me several minutes to let go of what I was doing and actually understand what they are talking about. There have been times where I have been called and have completely failed to effect this switch over. 
• I forget important things and rely on lists, Kanban boards, and calendar reminders to manage my responsibilities. 

Emotional and Behavioural Responses 

• I experience shutdowns during emotionally difficult conversations, where I become unable to think, speak, or move. Most recently this actually happened during an emergency when I had to get the ambulance to look after my husband while he was having a fit – I completely shut down and they had to manoeuvre me into the cab of the ambulance and put a blanket over me. This lasted for several hours. 
• I have meltdowns when overwhelmed by conflicting emotions or demands, leading to destructive behaviour. 
• I tend to run away from emotionally difficult situations to avoid shutdowns or meltdowns. 
• I need more sleep when faced with stressful situations. 

Social and Environmental Coping 

• I find phone conversations difficult and experience intense anxiety with surprise calls. 
• I need time out after socializing and find some people more draining than others. It seems that I can socialise for two hours maximum. 

Special Interests and Imaginative Play 

• My long-term interest in programming has provided a fulfilling career. Being a programmer and autistic is a career made in heaven. 
• I have a deep and enduring interest in Star Trek, Star Wars, and researching ASD. 

Support Systems and Emotional Well-being 

• My mother was incredibly supportive and her loss has significantly impacted my emotional resilience. 

Occupational Fit 

• My profession in programming aligns well with my strengths and preferences, providing a structured, predictable, and controlled environment that suits my needs. It allows for deep focus, limited social interaction, and accommodates my sensory sensitivities.