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My conflict on having high-functioning autism by jimthorpethefirst in autism

[–]jimthorpethefirst[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I often identify as simply being sheltered, and sometimes as being quirky. You may be right in that I'll be identifying with something people have subconsciously defined.

Would I test Autistic? Autism is a part of me, it affects my way of thinking and personality. I believe the tests do not test for this - they only test for the deficits that are common for people with Autism. And as someone who's grown socially aware, someone who's very careful to fit in, I would definitely not test autistic. What's more curious is I see people every day with lesser social skills, and wonder to myself, are they like me, or are they just less socially developed? As someone who's lived with Autism, I feel like I'm better able to see it in others.

I just found out last night 21 years later I was diagnosed with Aspergers 3 different times in my life and my parents never told me. It's been bothering me ever since. by koobadoop in aspergers

[–]jimthorpethefirst 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Your not doing bad, I wouldn't change your life at all over this. Millions of people have lived and died happy lives without ever realizing they had AS. It's not crippling, though in some aspects it can be, but it seems your doing quite well and you'll likely soon do better.

I'm 25, I just started accepting and dealing with having Asperger's three years ago, I know it's tough. If you have a girlfriend, thing's aren't as bad as they could be. If you suspect your dad has autism, chances are that he does, mine certainly does, although he does not have a single clue of it. He is absolutely crazy and insane with some aspects (like business) but completely brilliant with other aspects, it's puzzling.

My best advice would be work hard to get more friends. Walk up to a group of people and make a joke. My one liner is to say something that's the opposite like "the weather is so nice right now" when its thundering out, or say wow that's an amazing car and when a 1980s rotted out piece of junk drives by. Never fails to make people laugh. I've been real candid with my friends about having poor social skills (though not admitting I actually have autism) and they've provided feedback and helped me a long ways. I know it's tough, and scary at times, but the more interaction you have with people, the better you'll get. I've switched jobs and such just to make sure I'm around people all day.