Sense of self and autisic teens

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Our autobiographical memory is fundamental to the development of our sense of self. However, according to past research, it may be compromised in autism, together with other skills that are also vital for self understanding, such as introspection and the ability to attribute mental states to others (known as mentalising).

For example, experiments involving autistic children have highlighted retrieval difficulties, “impoverished narratives”, and a greater need for prompting, while also suggesting that semantic recall (facts from the past) may be impaired in younger individuals.

https://digest.bps.org.uk/2017/06/23/re ... +Digest%29


I know my autobiographical memory is poor. If my memories were pies they would be pies without much filling.

When I was a teen I felt like I didn't exist - like I had no self or identity. It was a time of confusion, just trying to keep up and blend in. Finally I had friends and was popular BUT I had never felt more alone. I was the person everyone wanted me to be and she was empty and shallow. I almost lost myself.

Now, many years later, I am recovering, working hard to become the person I was before my teen years. I tried hard to erase her and now I am working very hard to bring her back.