I’m pretty extroverted and do not have social anxiety but I get overwhelmed by certain kinds of sounds and noises, like a lot of background noise, or a lot of people talking loudly at once. I have to just kind of check out mentally for a bit or to remove myself to regroup. I totally can appreciate needing to remove yourself and take some time to shake it off.

steadying support while you work through all that, whovian.

for what it's worth
the possibility of autism has come up in my own therapy sessions. i didn't pursue the possibility because the treatment didn't look too far different from what i was already receiving. it still doesn't.

Arfie is right, drugs or medications, they are only used as a mental straight jacket. There is no cure for autism, but there is for anxiety. My grandson will never be able to live on his own even though he is higher functioning. He is not capable of making good decisions for himself. He lacks insight into his own plight, which keeps him from making good decisions. And yet he still has all the normal feelings and yearnings like any “ normal” person. It’s quite devastating to watch this play out in his life. What you described as your symptoms is something that autists can’t do, which shows you indeed have insight. I caution you to be careful about what you are doing here.

I've been studying Asperger's Syndrome/Autism and it is the only reason why I was able to understand what was happening. I would usually, during a sensory overload, not know that all my senses were going haywire and start having a meltdown because every little thing was bothering me, even when it doesn't bother me when I'm not having a sensory overload. The humming of the refrigerators, my sister playing the piano, my dads tools, people talking, my own breathing.
Might I refer to a quote Autistic people use when Neurotypicals talk about someone else with Autism: "If you've met one person with Autism, you've met one person with Autism." Autism affects people differently. That is why it is a spectrum. Your grandson is, from what I can tell, somewhere in the higher-functioning close to the middle. Asperger's is Autism, but the highest-functioning Autism. I will be able to live on my own, I can think for myself, and, yes, I have insight. That does not mean I may not be Autistic. I do suffer from other things like sensory overloads leading to meltdowns, masking, social Anxiety, unable to have conversations without thinking about my special interests.
I have learned lately that, when I get excited, I show it very physically and have a hard time not showing it whilst those around me who are not on the spectrum are able to contain themselves. How can they contain themselves when they have learned something new and exciting about things they love? It is very mind boggling for me.
I want to see this doctor because he will not refer drugs to me. If any doctors do, I will not take them. He is the only doctor who I really trust.
No, there is not a cure for Autism. I hope there never will be because I have seen how Autism can make people strong and it amazes me to see people with Autism doing TEDx talks and YouTube channels all about their own insight and experiences.
Thank you rmb and arfie for your support and thank you mtd for commenting. I love reading other's comments and experiences.

The point is that all the symptoms you described are also symptoms of anxiety. And not just a random doctor can diagnose autism. It usually takes many interviews with a qualified doctor/doctors and various psychological tests to be diagnosed. As was the case with my grandson, It took ok several years before his diagnosis was actually made. Autism is not easy to diagnose because of the overlapping symptoms of other disorders, such as anxiety. I have recommended you research anxiety disorders and symptoms. If you do, you will find that your symptoms are not any different than those of anxiety. Autism is also accompanied by anxiety and can be quite severe, that’s why drugs are used, it keeps the meltdowns of autism more in check.

that premise of hoping there never will be a cure can be applied to other handicaps and illnesses, as well. whether i apply that level of radical acceptance to autism, bipolar or cystic fibrosis, how we face our living challenges create and demonstrate our character far more than the talents and strengths we are born with.

dare i hope that unconditional self love and acceptance can grow into global tolerance?

@arfie From what my experience with my grandson has shown me is that while attitudes have changed during my lifetime, acceptance and tolerance still have a long way to go. My grandson has no real friends to speak of. He is not invited to gatherings. He is not tolerated by employers. He is aware of this, but lacks the capacity to truly understand why. And it is truly painful for him. All he wants is to be accepted and wanted by just a few in this vast world. But it doesn’t happen. Although he is able to function at a higher level on the spectrum, he is still not a desirable person in the eyes of the world. Everyone is too busy with their own agendas to take the time to include him. He doesn’t fit into anyone’s agenda, he is not up to the world’s standards. Acceptance is a very loose term when inclusion is left out. I realize there are those who have found this inclusion. But I highly doubt that it is anywhere near being widespread. Just sharing this with you arfie, from my own observations. And know that my heart is broken for him. I can’t change people’s hearts. For his sake, and others, I would if I could. And an FYI as a side note, autists aren’t all shy and reserved with people. It is becoming more and more known that autists want to be social, they actually crave relationships with others. The criteria for autism, it is changing.