> I have a strong objection to people who freely talk about negative experiences. Some of the people I respect the most have had extremely negatives experiences but mention them only with great reluctance. There's something about that that seems right. Columns like this debase the currency: by exalting empathy and understanding as the highest values, they devalue them.

I'm not sure I understand your objection. The struggles people go through and their ways of overcoming them help shape who they are, and sharing the journeys of these struggles can help people undergoing similar experiences. Especially when it comes to something as isolating and widespread as understanding self-identity. While I'd agree that yes, most people have similar struggles with identity/insecurity, her struggles with undiagnosed autism are relatively unique, and there is value in sharing her story and learning from it.

Apologies if I've misunderstood your comment.