A World Behind Closed Doors: Living as an Autistic Adult in Isolation

Finding peace in isolation: an autistic perspective on navigating a world of overwhelming expectations and quiet resilience.

© Tistje.com

The world often feels like an intricate maze to me — a whirlwind of noise, expectation, and constant movement. For most people, this relentless pace is a sign of connection, progress, and opportunity. While many see this world as interconnected, I often experience it as a labyrinth of overwhelming stimuli and profound disconnection. As an autistic adult, I’ve spent years navigating life in a way that others might not understand, largely from the confines of my own room. Isolation is not just my reality; it has become my means of survival in a world that rarely feels built for me.

Finding Refuge in Retreat

There was a time when I tried to keep up with the demands of society. I went to school, attempted to fit in, and played the roles expected of me. But the pressure was unrelenting, and the cost to my mental health was too great. I withdrew — not because I wanted to, but because the alternative felt impossible.

Inside the four walls of my room, I found refuge. The sensory overload that plagued me in the outside world receded. Here…