Something that until recently that has been a constant struggle is self-awareness. Many autistic people struggle with self-awareness. It can also be the factor of bullying when oneself in not in dignity. Until listening to a podcast earlier this year, I did not realize the importance of self-awareness. It’s a crucial skill to acquire when transitioning into adulthood as an autistic person. When younger, I didn’t realize the small things I do. These can make sure I can hold my head in public with dignity.

Over many years, I encountered various situations. They showed me how I was not self-aware in the outside world. I wore shirts that did not fit. My pants would not cover my body. My parents constantly called this out when it needed to be. I felt irritated each time I was called out and told to correct the issue. Yet, it was really embarrassing when people who valued me and employers pointed out issues I was not aware of. That is when I decided to start to make changes for the better.

Many times in the past, I did not notice the things that made me look disheveled. There were also things that would have been quite embarrassing to me. My family supported me. With their help, I began to pick out clothes that covered all necessary areas of my body. After cleaning up my body through showering and proper care, it is up to me to dress myself. I make sure I am presentable when I enter the outside world.

While it can seem like nothing to many people, to someone on the autism spectrum it truly is a lot. It involves making sure that all the pieces happen and are in place. This ensures that you can care for yourself by doing what needs to be done. You can hold yourself in dignity and carry your own with your own pride. The same can be said for the way that your living space and the things you like are cared for. They are cared for the way you do because you like them and are proud of them. It took me a long time to understand and accept how important that is too.

It is granted that this is a lot of work. Over time, it is part of the process of what makes you feel and look good about yourself. This can guarantee that you become a respected person. You are not bullied because your appearance seems funny to others. Also, people won’t be forced to see things they have no wish to. This was the turning point for me. I had seen that those thought of me as an amazing person who thought the world of me. They deeply valued how others presented themselves. From then, I knew that how I looked was important. It was something that mattered. That realization started with being more self-aware.

Today, I’m not totally perfect. Still, I carry myself better. This improvement is in part due to the podcast and those who value and love me. They inspire me to do whatever it takes. I make sure to carry myself with dignity. I also see the value of self-awareness. It is important to always guarantee that I am sensing it.