The autistic mind can't be accurately described by someone who doesn't have autism, and even the doctors who study the disorder can't describe its effects on the mind as well as an autistic person can.
While I live a pretty normal life I have a lot of issues with sensory sensitivity. Like loud noises, bright lights, certain food tastes, smells and standing in crowds of people. These things make me feel a bit stressed out resulting in various issues like headaches and digestive problems.
While we're on the subject. Certain non-autistic people have the misconception that those of us on the spectrum would "lack empathy." That is simply not true. We often have a hard time to "read" people, but we certainly do not lack human empathy. That needed to be said.
So if you want to know what it's like to live with autism you must go to the source and ask those who've had their lives and minds disrupted by the disorder.
Emotions can be more extreme, especially the negative ones, unfortunately. There is a sudden trigger and a switch just flips. I usually take a step back and take a breather to get myself to baseline then.
This also ties in with control for me. I have a hard time with unfamiliar situations/places or if I have no way out. What's normal there, how should I behave, what if I do something wrong? What if I need a moment to myself where do I go? I would love to travel but everything about it can get me into a panic. But once I'm there and have assigned a spot as my place to collect myself I'm fine. Getting there is the hard part.
I also want to be really, really sure someone likes a present. I am horrible at giving a gift without them knowing what it is. I only not check if they would like it if there is no doubt in my mind that they would love it.
Hopefully knowledge about autism will teach us how to help autistic people live more normal and therefore more fulfilling lives, as we demystify the disorder and discover it's just another state of mind.
"So if I'm speaking to someone with autism, what can I do to make you feel more comfortable while taking to you?"
For me, I just want to be treated with dignity, patience, and respect. Be aware that I'm probably agonizing over your social cues that I may or may not be interpreting correctly or even noticing.
Read 30 People With Autism Describe What It's Really Like here