Seven years ago, life seemed very bleak.

I had just been diagnosed with a form of autism called Asperger’s Syndrome, anxiety disorder and OCD. The diagnosis process had taken years, and my parents’ health had deteriorated as a result.

At the time, I was in a secondary school which was full of teachers and students who didn’t understand me.

I was essentially seen as a disruptive, naughty kid. I’d wake up every morning, dreading going to school and asking myself why I was even alive.

And when I did find the courage to go to school, I was almost guaranteed to be exposed to physical and mental abuse. I had been punched and kicked in the face on many occasions.

There were worse instances, though. I remember being pushed down stairs, bruising my ribs, and being thrown into a wall. I remember all the kids gathering around me, laughing at my dismay. I never felt human at all.

That’s not to mention the verbal torture. I was called everything: retard, freak. You name it, and the kids probably said it. It got so bad that I tried to kill myself.

I’d eventually have to move homes and schools.

My only comfort? Blogging. Not long after receiving a diagnosis of autism, I set up a WordPress site where I’d muse about everything from technology to my complicated feelings. It was a place where I could be myself – my safe haven.

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