My name is Irene.
Three months ago, I had to drop out of university (I was in the final term of my fourth year) because the sensory stimuli became unbearable; it felt – and still feels – as though my head was about to explode, and I was having panic attacks triggered by the noise of cars, supermarkets and so on.
A week ago, I was finally able to listen to music again without any discomfort; I still don’t think I’ll be able to read just yet, but I’m gradually noticing an improvement. My noise-cancelling headphones and my polarised sunglasses allow me to go outside without the sensory stimuli causing me pain.
I’m due to undergo an ASD assessment with you all in July, and I hope to find some answers to what I’m going through and that, little by little, my life will become more bearable.
I’ve found an incredible therapist who specialises in women with ASD, and it’s the first time I’ve felt understood in therapy – the first time I haven’t been told that the problem lies with me, that I can’t focus on every little detail in a conversation, that I need to learn social skills, and a thousand other things I’ve been told that have really hurt me.
I’m not entirely sure, but I think being diagnosed at the age of 22 could change my life. Thanks 🙂