I find I have a steady stream of people in my life who are autistic, but don’t know it. I’ve been helping one close friend with navigations and can feel it getting closer to “the talk”. I always dread that, although I shouldn’t. There’s just a lot to guide someone through then.

I never proactively suggest it, but allow the person to ask when they’re ready. I just speak in general terms (“you might want to try this..., this may be a good way to frame this for your manager..., not everyone socializes the same way, etc.”).

There’s a good number of people who have largely fallen through the Plinko game of life to somewhere good - a career, friends, a significant other, stability - but who still silently suffer in silence, in confusion, and haven’t a clue what’s going on.

Anyway, just a thought as I help a friend I deeply care for. And a thought as we all work for a world where all types of people are better accepted, accommodated, and understood.

*Somewhat related, I have a working theory on extremely attractive autistic people I meet (especially gay men). That might sound rediculous, but I notice they often suffer in deep ways because of how NTs react - with needs dismissed/unmet & people taking advantage of their trust.