"Learning about autism and meeting others"

My story is about being diagnosed with autism and how that experience helped me understand myself better, connect with other autistic people, and begin learning how to live well with my diagnosis.

I started to wonder if I might be autistic, because I recognised certain traits in myself. That led me to contact my GP and ask to be put on the waiting list for an assessment. After a few years, I finally received my appointment and was diagnosed as autistic.

Getting the diagnosis felt like a real sense of relief. It helped things make sense, and it confirmed what I had suspected for a long time.

Afterwards, I attended a six‑week course, which helped me understand why I do certain things in particular ways. Learning more about autism and meeting others with similar experiences made everything feel clearer and more manageable.

I’ve realised that part of understanding myself better, especially after my autism diagnosis, is recognising what makes me feel comfortable and at ease. When the weather is warm and the conditions are right, I enjoy the freedom of not wearing clothing. It gives me a sense of calm, lightness, and physical comfort. There’s something very natural and uncomplicated about it, and it helps me feel more connected to my environment.

For me, it isn’t about making a statement — it’s simply about comfort, sensory ease, and enjoying the feeling of fresh air and warmth on my skin. Understanding my sensory preferences has helped me see why this feels so good and why it matters to me.