A survivor bravely reached out about confronting confusing memories from childhood, specifically regarding a family member's repeated touching and comments that felt inappropriate. Their journals and past messages, which detail incidents that left them nauseous and uneasy, paint a picture of boundary crossing that took place during a vulnerable period of adolescence. Now, as they look back, they feel torn between the seemingly 'normal' relationship they share with this person and the clear discomfort recorded in their journals. The survivor worries about whether they misread events due to being autistic and fears damaging an important bond by questioning such memories. This is a profound and significant question because it touches on the complicated process of understanding past trauma, especially when strong familial ties and self-doubt intersect. Acknowledging their courage underscores that seeking clarity and validation is both necessary and deeply human.
Our answer focuses on treating these recollections with compassion while recognizing the potential for boundary violations to leave lasting emotional marks. We present a perspective that respects both the survivor’s current comfort and their documented anxiety from years ago. Emphasizing empathy, we explain that physical and emotional reactions such as nausea or avoidance often signal that something was not right—even if it might feel minimized in hindsight. We encourage considering professional support from a trauma-informed therapist who understands both autism and trauma, creating a safe environment to process these complicated feelings. Validating the survivor’s past experiences does not require casting someone as wholly “bad,” but it does call for honoring genuine discomfort and acknowledging its impact. Finally, we stress that it is normal to hold multiple truths about this person while guiding the survivor toward resources designed for compassionate care and understanding.
We want to honor the strength it takes to examine childhood memories and question them as an adult. The path forward might involve professional therapy services, supportive hotlines, or survivor-oriented communities offering guidance specific to sexual violence. Trusted mental health counselors, local advocacy centers, or specialized crisis lines can provide further direction tailored to personal needs. Checking in with yourself, step by step, can empower you to approach this journey at a pace that feels safe. You deserve compassionate space to heal, reflect, and find clarity around these important questions. Above all, remember that you are not alone and that your experiences and feelings matter.
