For the first time in my life, my autism is actually being treated and when I say it is life-changing, it is an understatement. I have a physical disability that causes me excruciating physical pain 24/7, and having my autism managed is just as impactful as that being treated.
I went 35 years without knowing what was wrong, why I was unable to do and relate the way others could, and resigned myself to life just being terrible, exhausting, and just being broken.
Within a year of diagnosis, I actually got a handle on my issues and suddenly... I wasn't broken. I still relate differently, think differently. And now I'm proud of that. But the awful parts? They're under control. I can relax, for the first time in decades. I can enjoy my hobbies. I can deal with people and let go of things.
And my joy at my uniqueness is, in no way, diminished by the recognition that I absolutely needed those issues to be treated and managed over the last 35 years.