{
  "id": 13179520,
  "title": "Self-acceptance was a lifelong struggle, but an autism diagnosis helped make it easier",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/self-acceptance-was-a-lifelong-struggle-but-an-autism-diagnosis-13179520",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-09T18:01:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The National UAE",
    "slug": "the-national-uae",
    "url": "https://www.thenationalnews.com/lifestyle/wellbeing/2026/10/09/self-acceptance-was-a-lifelong-struggle-but-an-autism-diagnosis-helped-make-it-easier/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "For many years, the narrator questioned whether they genuinely liked themselves. This uncertainty often led them to seek approval from others instead of relying on their own judgment. Despite not wishing to be harsh on themselves, they allowed others' opinions to influence their self-image. The narrator believed in striving to be their best self, but found that not everyone appreciated this version of themselves. They didn't realize they were masking their true self, adapting to various situations, people, and expectations. When enthusiasm was met with disapproval, they would tone it down. If they were quiet, they would force themselves to speak. Any awkwardness in interactions led them to analyze what they could have done differently. This constant focus on how they were perceived took a toll on their self-esteem. The constant need to alter themselves in pursuit of acceptance made the narrator question if their authentic self was even acceptable. Autism, a spectrum disorder, is often misunderstood and used casually to describe neurodivergence. The narrator, at the high-functioning end of the spectrum, can navigate many aspects of daily life without appearing autistic. However, everyday activities can still be challenging, such as meeting new people or speaking confidently. Social interactions require an internal checklist of behavior, often leading to exhaustion. Before receiving an autism diagnosis, the narrator lacked understanding for why simple tasks seemed so difficult. They assumed they were deficient somehow. After the diagnosis, they gained context and could look back at themselves with more kindness. They recognized that some of the things they had spent years trying to change were simply inherent parts of themselves that they had never understood. The diagnosis allowed them to understand the enormous energy they had spent trying to appear comfortable when they were not. While the narrator still masks their true self depending on the setting, they feel less compelled to hide their authentic self. This newfound comfort with being quiet when they have no words to say, being enthusiastic without doubting if they should hold back, and admitting to anxiety instead of pretending unaffectedness, has led to greater self-acceptance. World Mental Health Day serves as a reminder to consider seeking help if one has spent years feeling different or struggling with seemingly ordinary tasks that others don't face. Even if the cause turns out to be something other than autism, understanding the reasons behind one's challenges can make the path ahead clearer and less self-blaming.",
  "summary": "I wondered for years whether I had ever actually liked myself. It fluctuated, but the fact that it was a question at all told me the answer was negative more often than not. I don’t think I would go so far as to say I hated myself. But at times I wasn't a fan; I allowed myself to be judged by the opinions of others rather than my own. We’re all trying to be the best version of ourselves, for the…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The National Business",
        "title": "Self-acceptance was a lifelong struggle, but an autism diagnosis helped make it easier",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/self-acceptance-was-a-lifelong-struggle-but-an-autism-diagnosis",
        "published": "2026-10-09T18:01:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}