Thank you for writing this article, Shamiha. I learned a lot. I am a physical empath but I also have some traits of ASD. These traits are growing much stronger now that I am past menopause. I wanted to let you know that I think hormones do influence us in many ways. Now I'm like "JFC I am getting this way again!" I had to teach myself to make eye contact when very young and was perceived as an "extremely shy child." No one would consider me shy, socially awkward, or anything associatedf with ASD today. In reality, I was going through many (not all) of the things you identified. Thank you once again, very much. Blessings & white light!! [I want to support everyone commenting here - feel much empathy]