Hey everyone. Not sure where this would go so I'll just put it here... Sorry if this is the wrong place.

I feel that I never developed properly emotionally, mentally or socially. I was diagnosed with a possible autism spectrum disorder so that might explain some of it, but mostly I think it was growing up in a really strict, controlling culture with overprotective parents.

My problem is that I now feel like a 12-year-old stuck in a 30-year-old body. I may look and sound middle-aged, but I feel and think like a teen. I've pretty much isolated myself for over a decade so I have no friends and have a really hard time approaching anyone because of severe social anxiety. I still live with my parents -- they need my help, but they still treat me like a child and use childish language with me, which bothers me sometimes.

So my question is, how does one "make up" for decades of stunted growth? How can I possibly approach anyone my age on equal footing? Is there some way to "teach myself" everything I missed growing up?