“I suffered for decades as a person with an atypical brain living in a neurotypical world and no support system.”

My wife experienced the same, she’s spent her whole life feeling that she was broken, but the reality is that she’s been living in an alien world not designed for her. The analogy of ‘living in alien world’ is something that helps me to understand her struggles in order to empathise and support her, and also a useful way to describe the situation to neurotypical people if they are struggling to understand. Imagine dropping a young child on an alien world, then expecting them to just ‘get on with it’ with no understanding or support. The idea frightens the hell out of me - but then, my wife has actually lived it! People like you, my wife and all other atypicals are inspirational.

We only found out this year that my wife is on the autism spectrum (she is 31). I’m amazed at her resilience and mental toughness to have got this far and achieved so much. I extend that observation to you as well, keep up the good work!

I’m highly sensitive and there seem to be a few similarities between HSP and aspergers that I’ve noticed. I suffered similar difficulties as my wife when I was growing up, although to a much lesser degree than her. I’m thankful for my difference, it helps me to understand the differences in other people.