The way back down the river was unusually peaceful, too - no one had set up a barbeque by the river yet! But I could hear someone playing loud happy music in the distance.

Of course, right at a chokepoint where there is no detour: a family had set up a big picnic with a massive speaker blaring out music. Somewhere in the back of my head I realised it was interesting music, but on every downbeat my body was twisting and folding, and I was covered in sweat. I scuttled past, trying to stay upright and avoid the pitying looks from other dog walkers and runners. We made it to a more peaceful spot down the river where I collapsed onto an old log. The dogs have hated all this noise too, I can tell, but we usually stride along at a serious pace and they were confused. I never sit down in public.

After a few minutes I realised that I was going into a shutdown. If I stayed there, I would curl into a ball on the ground for an hour or so. I forced myself up and got the dogs and me back to the house.

2/3

#actuallyautistic