I was autistic when I was a “quirky” kid who didn’t get a referral.
I was autistic when I said “I can’t possibly be autistic.”
I was autistic when I was evaluated and misdiagnosed.
I’m autistic now.

Every autistic person is autistic before they get “officially” diagnosed.

My granddad was ASR 1941 onwards. Started in UK, moved around a lot, but briefly on HSL130 and part of working up crew for 2551 before it was in full service. Then he moved to North Africa and Med (ASRU 252, 253 and 254) to spend most time on HSL2596 but also 2601 occasionally.