You know a part of me wants to believe that but I have some severe food allergies that stopped me from getting most vaccines as a baby and toddler. That’s when it presents itself in most children. All of my quirks and neurotic misfires have been with me since early childhood. I really didn’t start getting vaccines until I started traveling internationally in high school. I know some kids raised by crunchy granola types and the autistic child hasn’t had anything but a flu shot because of his severe asthma. I believe the genetic and environmental links. I’ve also read that a lot of childhood trauma and emotional abuse contributes to how you develop on the spectrum. I have a loving family but I was raised by a strict type A mother who used all kinds of emotional manipulation to keep me at the top and be competitive. She’s my best friend now but we’ve frequently had convos about why I’m so emotionally off and process things the way I do.
Wow!
I have sooo many questions for you....
I believe my daughter is on the spectrum... I'm almost certain. She'll be a teen in a few years but, like you, her quirks have been with her since she was a toddler. Given she was our first baby, we didnt recognize anything she did as concerning. But she checks nearly every box.
A big part of me has always wondered if it is because she is homeschooled, and she is just awkward because of that. However, I remember that even I, as a young girl in the city public schools in the 80s, was the weird kid in class as well and the teacher told my mother I needed to be tested as well. So it makes me wonder if there is something genetic. I wouldn't be surprised if a test revealed some tendencies with me but my daughter's are undeniable.
I appreciate you sharing you experience as an awkward black girl. I remember reading somewhere how autism (high functioning) can go missed in girls. Add to that the penchant of traditional black parenting's call to discipline all problems away and you can get the setup to not take it as seriously as you should (I'm guilty of this, too).
OAN, my baby smiles just like this lady in the pictures I take of her, too, so I recognize that look as well.