Everyone treats me like a freak since I was diagnosed with autism

DEAR DEIDRE: FINDING out I was autistic was a big relief, but now everyone is avoiding me.

My mates treat me like I’m a freak and it hurts so much.

I’m a 16-year-old boy and have always felt like I didn’t fit in or see the world like everyone else.

Learning the reason answered so many questions I had about myself.

But the few friends I had now want nothing to do with me. I feel more alone and isolated than ever.

DEIDRE SAYS: People can behave cruelly when they’re ignorant or feel awkward and don’t know what to say.

Try contacting the friend you trust the most, and asking if you can talk.

Check out autism.org.uk for information on autism.
If you want to chat to someone in confidence, contact The Mix (themix.org.uk, 0808 808 4994) for under-25s.