“I experience the impact of autism on my life as huge.”- Nikki

I’m Nikki, I’m 35 years old and I got diagnosed with ASD 5 years ago. I’m married and a mother of two children. I like to read, write, draw, do puzzles, watch TV... Which are mostly things that you can easily do by yourself.

I experience the impact of autism on my life as a huge one. In my childhood I regularly got bullied and excluded, which had quite some consequences for my self-confidence and self-image. Changes are a horror to me and often lead to feelings of panic. Fatigue is basically a constant factor in my life. For example, because of stimuli, but because of issues with sleep too. There’s always something going on in my head. Whether it's conversations that I repeat or am preparing, situations that I try to visualize, annoying songs that seem to be on an endless 'repeat'; it’s never quiet. And although I am very sensitive of the energy of others, it seems that others can hardly read me. As a result, it often seems like I’m doing better than actually is the case and I won’t show my true face very soon, in that regard.

‌I’m a go-getter. Honest and trustworthy. I will always do everything I can to be there for the people who are important to me. I’m most proud of my children and the bond I continue to build with them. The fact that I’m able to say sorry to them and teach them that you can and should make mistakes. Consciously talking about feelings. Offering structure and tranquility and thereby creating a safe haven.

My tip to people with autism is to spend time with yourself. To get to know yourself and to start build a life that works for you, from there.