Ok, so it’s nothing super crazy considering my age and that this is a skill I should have mastered years ago, but I am honestly really surprised that I managed this today.

So my week started off terrible, my mom and I got into numerous arguments and my sister has been a moody mess most days. Today was similar; However, Instead of my mom and I getting into the argument, It was me and my dad. Here’s what happened.

It was a very hot day today, And my dad suggested getting Popsicles for everybody. The thing was, We had five dogs we had to watch, So my dad suggested my sister and I drive to the store and get them if he gave us the money. My sister was being lazy and refused to drive there (she’s always a moody person when it is hot out). I suggested driving there myself as I have my license and have watched my sister do it several times. My dad insisted I didn’t, and that if I did, I at least needed someone to go with me, as he doesn’t believe I’m a good driver or have the confidence or ability to drive on my own. I continuously told him that it will be fine and to just let me do it, and eventually, he caved. The second I got back, My dad said, “Oh, thank you. You did such a good job” (With the baby voice and all). The achievement: I drove to the store for the first time by myself.

Another big achievement from today: I ate the same food as my family, and didn’t give up on myself when I was slower than everyone else.

I normally eat the same food as my family, However, We tend to have different food preferences. Tonight we ordered pizza. My mom always assumes that I don’t like something simply because of an experience I had in the past. For example, She’ll say, “I know you don’t like pizza, you hardly ate it when we went to Domino’s two years ago…” like one experience does not define me lol. I’ve always struggled with pizza and other foods due to my prematurity and eating issues, but I did amazing tonight.

I ate a whole slice of pizza, And halfway through it, My uncle asked me to take his plate to the kitchen. In the process of doing that, I set my plate down on the edge of the table. My dad saw this and asked me, “Are you done with your food? I’ll eat it if you’re done.” This was very embarrassing to me because Everybody else had finished and they happen to take notice that I hadn’t. Often times I’ll get really mad, stop eating all together and give my plate to my dad, where he finishes it for me. Tonight, however, I was very calm and collected, And told my dad that I was not done, but just taking my uncle’s plate to the sink. I also did not give up on myself, and finished my entire plate (although it took me about another 30 minutes lol). I just thought I’d share these achievements because I know a lot of autistic people are doubted based on their food, preferences and driving ability.