Dear About Time,
I loved the article on autism. I’ve been in jail since January 2024 and was diagnosed in March/April 2024. I relate to Ashleigh’s experience as females tend to mask their autism to try to fit in with everyone.
For me, I struggle socially with people. Prison hasn’t been the easiest ride for me with my autism, as I’m easily manipulated particularly by people I think have good intentions and that I think are my friend when it turns out they’re not.
This has happened a few times and got to a point now that after about two years, I’d rather not be around people continually as I don’t deal well with strong personalities. I’m a natural introvert and I prefer more ‘me’ time than I do ‘people’ time. I’m like this on the outside.
I can’t deal well with crowds and loud noises in small crowded places. Shopping centres at Christmas and Easter are hell to me. Same with pubs and RSLs at Christmas. I get overstimulated. Max-security buildings where there’s 60ish people aren’t ideal for me either.
Food texture is another thing I struggle with. Whilst I normally don’t eat bananas on the outside due to smell/taste/texture, I’ve gotten into eating them since being in jail. Cucumbers I still refuse to eat. Though I’ve found I can sort of eat them if seeds are removed and they’re thinly sliced and mixed in with sauces (like ABC sauce).
Like Ashleigh and Dan, I learn and react differently and deal differently.
For me, a small amount of people and being in my cell overnight by myself is joyful to me.
From Caitlin
