Eurovision made me realise that I was autistic at 34
I had always dreamed of attending the song contest. But all that glitter brought on sensory overload – and I finally understood who I actually was
TL;DR
- The author had a lifelong dream of working at the Eurovision song contest.
- Attending Eurovision in Liverpool as a TV critic in 2023 led to a severe sensory overload experience.
- The overwhelming nature of the event, described as a 'weird fuzz,' resulted in the author seeking refuge in a toilet.
- A few weeks later, a friend suggested looking into an autism diagnosis, which the author received at age 34.
- The diagnosis explained lifelong difficulties with social interactions and eye contact.
- The author views his autism with gratitude, noting how his special interest in television, including Eurovision, led to his career.
- Despite finding the event overwhelming, the author acknowledges that Eurovision played a pivotal role in his self-discovery.