This is an introduction to autism presentation in women in graphic novel format, aimed at young adults aged 11-18, so it was a quick read as I was making coffee this morning. I found it informative, but I especially found the bits about how autistic women are often the victims of abuse in relationships because they fail to form a network of female friends in their adolescence to help them navigate dating and sexual relations. This is my experience. In her book, Sarah Bargiels described how they were forced to learn to be assertive on their own and how it finally empowered them. I never did. I got stuck, so I just shut down in this area and stopped dating. I divorced in 1991 and stopped dating about 1994. Period. It wasn't worth it, I told myself. Maybe this diagnosis will change this--I don't know. But it could, now that I know what's going on, it's definitely a part of my life I should talk with my therapist about.
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