Behaviors I thought were typical but were autism

It’s truly wild how many things I just accepted as 'the way I am' my whole life, only to later discover they were classic signs of my neurodivergent brain. Like many of us, I spent years unconsciously masking and adapting, never quite understanding why certain things felt so intense or so natural to me, while others struggled with them. This journey of realizing my autism quirks has been incredibly eye-opening, connecting so many dots from my past. Take my reading, for instance. The original post touches on it, but it was more than just enjoying a good book. I was often obsessively reading up to 15 books a week, devouring stories with a speed and intensity I now know is linked to hyperlexia. It wasn't just a hobby; it was a deep dive, a special interest that provided comfort and a predictable world to escape into. I’d lose myself for hours, sometimes even days, completely immersed. This intense focus, once seen as just a 'bookworm' trait, is a strong indicator of how my brain processes information and finds solace in specific, detailed subjects. Then there are the stims – those self-stimulatory behaviors that help regulate our sensory input and emotions. I used to think my constant fidgeting with things, twirling my hair, or quietly humming was just a nervous habit. Or when I found myself repeating words under my breath or silently, I thought it was just a quirky way my brain processed thoughts. But now I understand these are vital coping mechanisms. Stimming can take so many forms, from rocking and flapping, to clicking pens, tapping fingers, or even tracing patterns with your eyes. For me, it's often tactile, like running my fingers over certain textures, or auditory, like the humming. Knowing other words for fidgeting and recognizing them as stims has transformed how I view these 'quirks' – they're not habits to be suppressed, but tools for self-regulation. Another fascinating trait I’ve recognized in myself, mentioned in the OCR, is having a lot of collections... with very specific places. It's not just clutter; it's a meticulously organized system. From unique rocks and vintage stamps to themed stationery, each collection has its own designated spot, usually arranged by color, size, or category. There's a deep satisfaction in the order and predictability of these collections, which provides a sense of control and calm in a sometimes overwhelming world. This intense focus on detail and organization, combined with the joy of accumulating items related to a specific interest, is a common autistic trait. Beyond these, I've noticed other sensory quirks, like being highly sensitive to certain sounds or textures, or needing very specific routines to feel comfortable. It's like my internal operating system runs a little differently, and once I started understanding its unique parameters, life made so much more sense. It's not about being 'wrong'; it's about being distinct. So, if you're on a similar journey of self-discovery, I encourage you to look back at your own 'typical' behaviors. Did you have an intense childhood interest that lasted for years? Do you find yourself fidgeting in specific ways when stressed or excited? Do you crave routines or have a particular way of organizing your belongings? Recognizing these autism quirks isn't about fitting into a label, but about better understanding and embracing your authentic self. It’s a powerful step towards self-acceptance and finding strategies that truly work for you.