I'm the same as you, and my kids, I see a lot of me in them. I have also always been awkward socially, but good academically, was dux of the school, but not interested in uni, much more interested in mechanical things and working with my hands so became a fitter and turner.
It is great all the help available, most people would not be able to tell my kids are autistic, it is only when they get overwhelmed with too much going on that they shutdown or act out. Mainly sensory issues now, but they are all beautiful kind hearted boys
