Me: “I’m in agony. My lower back is on fire, and my sciatica is unbearable.” Doctor: “I don’t believe you. You’re not moving like someone in pain. I’ll get a follow-up scan. Maybe the you bulging L4/L5 disc is causing slight impingement.” 1 week later. Doctor: “Your L5/S1 disc has collapsed. You’ve got bone on bone. You must be in agony.” Me: “No shit, Sherlock.” This was how I learned, as an autistic person, I have to perform pain, not internalise it.