I was never bullied or coerced forcibly into behaving. And everyone around me learnt the hard way that's not how it works for me.
That me being told that's what everyone else did and I should doesn't work.
I was challenged and dared into it.
Made a competition. I want to win. Win I did.
That's was my reward; seeing that I did better than most who couldn't control themselves.
The same vein; being the fastest in class; writing, answering tests, finishing projects...
Being the one who answered most questions, being a completionist in homeworks by doing it before going home, in attendance, in not getting late...
A daring self challenge, not being pressured or coerced. No one challenged me, my ego did.
That's one major difference I experienced childhood as an autistic in mainstream.
And I'm not even one of those gifted types.
I just appeared to be like one, happened to be able to keep up at it, just as curious and questioning.
Even punching someone, running away out of rage and frustration... My meltdowns...
Everyone around me figured; that's not my fault.
Everyone figured; someone or something had bothered me.
Everyone knew I cannot ignore my feelings.
I hate it. I'd rather have a poker face.
That's another major difference.