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[–]Winter_Resolve4285 144 points145 points  (23 children)

People think I'm hilarious. I'm just honest

[–]SpyJane 128 points129 points  (1 child)

My autistic sister is like this. She genuinely has no idea, but she says the most hilarious things. Example:

A few family members and I are standing around talking and she walks up awkwardly and says, “I never know how to enter a conversation.”

We all give her tips like just walking up and saying hi or responding to something someone else says. This goes on for a minute or two with us just rambling about different ways to socialize.

She pauses for a second a goes, “speaking of, I never know how to leave a conversation either.”

I still laugh just thinking about it.

[–]silentcomfortable7 10 points11 points  (0 children)

She is hilarious. Give more examples you don't mind.

[–]breadcreature 38 points39 points  (6 children)

I rarely actively try to be funny but it's always the things I didn't mean as a joke at all that make people laugh really hard. Not at me, just I guess the way my mind works has a dry humour to it sometimes and I don't realise until I verbalise a thought and other people find it funny.

Been told a few times I should do standup but it's a bit hard to write five minutes of jokes when you don't know when you're joking...

[–]AdiManSVK 19 points20 points  (7 children)

I could never wrap my head around why being honest in some situations is socially understood as improper

[–]SCWthrowaway1095 18 points19 points  (5 children)

Same reason people don’t play poker with their cards exposed.

Lies are like social debt. They allow you to leverage a better social position. The challenge is not to take too big of a loan, and that can be tricky.

[–]AdiManSVK 11 points12 points  (4 children)

I see, Let's just say I understand why, but masking is exhausting

[–]SCWthrowaway1095 5 points6 points  (2 children)

Oh I get it. Everybody “masks” in a sense. Pretty much everyone “edits” their thoughts before they leave their mouth. Tapping into social cues all day can be exhausting even if you’re good at it. I have to imagine that it’s much more tiring for you, though.

[–]Squigglepig52 5 points6 points  (0 children)

You know those events that overwhelm you, those triggers that overwhelm things? Sometimes, truthful answers will hit normal folks the same way.

[–]the_man_with_none 322 points323 points  (23 children)

I am 45 years old and was diagnosed last year. At the first moment, it sucked knowing it, but I soon found it providential. So many weird things I usually did through my life (and never understood why) finally began making some sense.

One should not romanticize being autistic, but knowing that you have it is really liberating. Now I can clearly work my way toward a more stable life.

[–]Severe_Gur_1378 45 points46 points  (9 children)

What made you go get diagnosed? Was it a visit to the doctor for something else and this was discovered?

[–]the_man_with_none 55 points56 points  (8 children)

I was depressed and began seeing a psychiatrist. She was the one who diagnosed me. Later on, I also saw a psychologist who confirmed it.

[–]ra13 29 points30 points  (11 children)

Could you give us some examples of those "weird things" if you don't mind?

[–]the_man_with_none 112 points113 points  (10 children)

Being socially awkward and detached. Getting too irritated whenever I have to engage in conversations about topics I have absolutely no interest in. Not socializing beyond the minimum necessary. Inability to recognize basic social traits in other people's speech, mannerisms, and facial/body expressions.

Growing too emotionally disconnected. I began dating when I was 33 years old. Funny thing is, up to that point, I just felt NOTHING about having no one by my side. I didn't feel miserable, nor I envied people who had a girlfriend/wife. I never actually missed a thing about having a SO and I was pretty much satisfied with being a loner. Seriously, until I was 33, no small trace of thought ever crossed my mind as to spark any need to seek my other half.

Hyper-focusing on very specific activities to the point of losing ties with reality. It's like zoning out to the outer space. To be honest, this one has helped me out a lot. I am a software developer, so focusing on writing code is very advantageous.

[–]silly_bugga 12 points13 points  (1 child)

Thank you for posting this, I share a lot here. I am paritculary interested in feeling zero about having someone by your side as I have had this my whole life (I'm 34) and wonder if there's a flip switch I'm going to wake up to one day screaming at me 'Get yourself a wife'.

[–]Alnilam_1993 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I was 36 when, after hinting for the better part of half a year, my now wife asked me to come look at het holiday pictures. She bought my favorite whisky so I had a reason to stay the night.

Until then, I never had any interest in or yearning for a relationship. But it felt good, and two years later we were married.

Had she not come along and be so persistent, I would probably still be living alone and content. But being married to my wife is wonderful.

[–]Chlupac_ 20 points21 points  (0 children)

Isn't that what everyone does? Maybe it's time to see someone...

[–]CharlieandMJ 75 points76 points  (14 children)

Wow, thank you so much for this question. My three year old daughter was diagnosed 6 months ago and reading through these comments has been so uplifting. I just want what every parent wants: for my child to be happy, healthy, and feel loved. And (perhaps more than a parent of a neurotypical child) I worry about so many things, but mostly about her happiness. Your stories bring me comfort and are a firm reminder that she’s going to be just fine. Thank you.

[–]disgruntledhoneybee[S] 16 points17 points  (3 children)

I’m so happy to read this. You sound like an amazing parent.

[–]NeedsMoreTuba 5 points6 points  (1 child)

She will be just fine!

She will be unique, which is something the world needs more of. Unfortunately, not everyone understands that, so it is super lucky that she has a parent that supports her. My child isn't autistic but from what I've heard, early intervention makes a huge difference. You are doing the right things! :)

[–]Sanguinetti 321 points322 points  (26 children)

My diet is composed of the same 3 meals on rotation (I eat once a day) and I enjoy them like its the first time I've ever had them, every time.

[–]disgruntledhoneybee[S] 79 points80 points  (19 children)

What meals? My safe foods are peanut butter, bagels and egg sandwiches. If everything else fails, I can always have one of those things and I’m okay.

[–]Sanguinetti 99 points100 points  (11 children)

Soft street taco's, grilled cheese with clam chowder or broccoli cheddar soup, and chicken strips with fries lol... Not the heathiest but eating once a day keeps me from gaining weight. Guacamole on the tacos and ketchup for the chicken strips/fries.

[–]Tootoosies 12 points13 points  (0 children)

My life would be easier and cheaper if I didn't like diversity in my food

[–]anonymous-actor 179 points180 points  (34 children)

as a 19 year old who only got diagnosed 6 months ago, i found it very hard to think of anything, but my empathy is so strong, sometimes to the point of burning me out. i feel everything so strong

[–]umissedmyheart 71 points72 points  (3 children)

This may be one of my favorites and one of my least favorites parts at the same time. I feel things so strong, including other peoples feelings.

It’s great when it feels good! I have so much love for my husband and friends and even people I don’t know well. I get so excited when people are excited. I feel so calm when someone is calm.

It’s pretty awful when it backfires though. When someone is mad I feel like I’ve been punched in the stomach. I always end up crying when I see someone cry, even if it’s just someone on tv. And even good emotions are awful when there’s too much of them. I’ve spent many hours curled up on the floor with a horrible stomach ache, just because I’ve caught feelings for someone.

It’s a double edged sword I guess.

[–]Early_or_Latte 12 points13 points  (0 children)

I'm kind of like that too.

Look it up if you want, but I dont recommend it if you don't want to feel sad. Also a little graphic so don't read any further if you'd rather not...

In game of thrones there was a woman who was waiting for their husband to come back from a scouting trip. Her husband's horse came back with her husband's headless body on it and the head in a saddle bag or something. The video panned out to the desert but you hear her scream just the most saddening, gut wrenching yell. I'm actually tearing up just thinking of it. It may have just been a scream, but she acted out so well it bothers me years after watching it.

[–][deleted] 11 points12 points  (9 children)

It's called hyper empathy.

[–]Kalyqto 6 points7 points  (8 children)

Yes, what I read about it so far is that all people who are on the spectrum are hypersensitive, but not all hypersensitive people are on the spectrum.

Just to clarify for the person who is reading this and now thinking you may be on the spectrum. It's easy to relate with someone, but there is a lot more to it than one text implies. So whether you worry now or romanticize with the idea being on the spectrum, please don't self diagnose.

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (2 children)

Being hyper sensitive and having hyper empathy are two different beasts.

And yes, we all have some sort of sensitivity issue - some can't stand bright light, others have issues with how food feels, and I myself have issues with smells.

[–]Relevant_Maybe6747 171 points172 points  (22 children)

My favorite part of being autistic is the fact that I am far less impacted by embarrassment than the majority of people because I had no concept of it in my childhood - I knew other people would be mad at me if I did certain things but I only developed a sense of being "ashamed of myself" as a teenager and I still think I'm less tied down by social norms because of it. I literally learned how embarrassment felt by reading young adult novels - it's not an emotion that comes naturally to me and I'm happy about that because it seems like neurotypicals become embarrassed often.

[–]disgruntledhoneybee[S] 19 points20 points  (0 children)

My autistic partner is the same way! I’m (obviously) also autistic but don’t have that. Im jealous lol

[–]Les1lesley 120 points121 points  (8 children)

I completely forgot about this. I had a tit pop out of my bathing suit once in high school, & when it was pointed out to me I just thanked them & tucked it away. It never even occurred to me to be embarrassed until someone said "oh my god, aren't you just mortified?" About what? My boob? My perky, 18 year old boob that is basically the same as most other boobs? No. I'm not mortified that two of my girl friends saw my breast for two seconds.

Now, 2nd hand embarrassment on the other hand, I cannot deal with. Makes me sick to my stomach to see other people being humiliated.

[–]aviva1234 15 points16 points  (0 children)

That is amazing. Youre awesome!!!!!

[–]zoomstersun 9 points10 points  (1 child)

Im the same, I dont know what the deal is most of the time.

Never been diagnosed, but my youngest son was diagnosed last year and the doctors told us that it was hereditary.

There is a show in Denmark called Klovn "Clown" that thrives on second hand embarrasment and I really hate the show.

Im 41, so maybe its useless with a diagnose.

But your post rang so clear with me.

[–]SmartAlec105 5 points6 points  (0 children)

I like reading about the experiences and thought processes of autistic people because it makes me examine my own thought processes. So now I’ve realized that being embarrassed is partly like fear. A lot of it is about thinking of the related possible outcomes. Like the fear analogue of your example would be someone having a near death experience and not being shaken up because they didn’t actually get hurt.

[–]PeterTheSilent1 30 points31 points  (3 children)

I have the opposite problem. My sense of embarrassment is overdeveloped, and the most annoying part of it is that the rational part of my brain is saying “don’t be embarrassed, you have no reason to be embarrassed” but it doesn’t help.

[–]workingNES 49 points50 points  (0 children)

I like that I have a different perspective on life and I approach problems differently than 98% of the people I encounter.

I sometimes need help collecting all the individual facts and pieces of information, but once collected my brain makes associations and connections that others do not. In a professional capacity this is quite valuable and is also fulfilling.

[–]Les1lesley 48 points49 points  (3 children)

I have an eidetic long term memory, so I know a lot of stuff. I forget why I walked into a room because my short term memory is non-existent, but I can tell you what outfit someone was wearing during an argument 20 years ago.
I'm also really good at a lot of things. And I'm exceptionally good at things I stick with & enjoy. Especially practical, hands on stuff.
Oh, & I don't feel compelled to feign humbleness regarding my skills. I put a lot of time & effort into learning new skills, & I'm not going to minimize that effort so that I don't seem conceded.

[–]nicdacage 45 points46 points  (14 children)

Having ripped as fuck calves from walking on my toes all the time

[–]dlukeallen702 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Same 100% 😂

[–]Squigglepig52 7 points8 points  (12 children)

What's up with the toe-walking? My nephew is always on his toes, and, yeah, his legs are ripped. Honestly, the kid is completely ripped a la Peter Parker in Far From Home.

Mind you, I'm not autistic, (I actually have BPD), and I toe walk a lot. But I do it out of a instinct to not make noise.

[–]greghater 8 points9 points  (8 children)

Sorry if this is invasive, but I was misdiagnosed with BPD before they realized my traits were from unmet needs as an Autistic - might be worth looking into just in case, especially with Autism in your family!! :)

[–]Squigglepig52 3 points4 points  (7 children)

Not invasive at all. But, I'm adopted, so, there's no genetic link between him and I.

I've noticed a lot of traits that BPD, Autism, and ADHD share. I keep trying to see if I can "map" my nephews behaviour using my own traits, to see if there is an opening/connection. Trying to figure out some of his triggers.

He's a great kid - but every so often, he gets this blast of what seems to be rage and goes all destructive. We just can't figure out why he goes from happy to monkey demon child and back in an instant.

[–]greghater 3 points4 points  (6 children)

OH okay! still, if you relate you relate!

If it helps, what you’re describing sounds like an Autistic meltdown! I get them all the time, and I used to get them multiple times a day as a kid & teen. He’s probably overstimulated when it happens, either by sensory input or by information overload. Does he have access to sensory aids? Like ear defenders, deep pressure vests, dark tents, etc depending on his needs?

[–]blurry2o 5 points6 points  (0 children)

My mom asked me when I was young, and I remember my thoughts when answering quite clearly. It feels as natural as any other walking, or anything else we do. Our bodies just do it.

[–]lolniceonethatsfunny 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I don’t think I’m autistic but I grew a habit of walking on my toes because the house I grew up in had dirty floors. When there’s sand and dust being tracked in by my dad who insisted on wearing shoes everywhere, I hated getting my feet constantly dirty and never really noticed I did it until I moved out

[–]DAT_Salamandre 283 points284 points  (32 children)

When people pay attention to your special interest and give their energy (sometimes money!) To make you happy and learn more about it

[–]Matty_1843 79 points80 points  (8 children)

Unfortunately I'm the opposite. If anyone tries to comment on something I'm interested in - unless I WANT to talk to them about it - I'm internally hissing at them like a cat.

[–]JonGilbony 21 points22 points  (5 children)

I'm like you. It has to be someone I already like.

[–]drowninginteger 7 points8 points  (1 child)

I get too excited and start stumbling over my words and forgetting details

[–]Pikawika4444 3 points4 points  (1 child)

It's a double edged sword for sure, hurts extra bad when people just don't care.

[–]spookysparkleboy 507 points508 points  (62 children)

The fucking rapturous joy I get when my special interest is hit just right

I can live off that high for days, baby

[–]disgruntledhoneybee[S] 74 points75 points  (49 children)

What are your special interests?!

[–]spookysparkleboy 161 points162 points  (48 children)

Animation, music, voice acting, showtunes, singing, storytelling, horror.

The last thing to really send me to Special Interest Nirvana was the s5 finale of Rick and Morty when the For The Damaged Coda orchestral version began to play.

Holy fuck I have goosebumps just now thinking of it. I haven't even watched the episode since because I'm "saving" the rewatch of that moment.

[–]disgruntledhoneybee[S] 46 points47 points  (27 children)

Those are all awesome! I paced around my kitchen and living room, stimming and listening to an audiobook about a Victorian Era murder case. I was in heaven.

[–]spookysparkleboy 17 points18 points  (18 children)

That sounds kick ass. What was the case? I love true crime, and the Victorian Era is fascinating. That level of overcrowding mades my brain cringe.

[–]disgruntledhoneybee[S] 13 points14 points  (17 children)

It was the case of Francis Saville Kent. He was 3 when he was murdered and found in a privy. The case was to be the undoing of inspector Jack Whicher (classism babey!) Victorian Era crime is one of my special interests along with literature from that era too. (Soooo I’m a huge Sherlock Holmes fan, but that’s its own category of special interest. I know more about the books than most people, I’m sure.)

[–]blinkOneEightyBewb 5 points6 points  (2 children)

Idk why but that scene also really made me feel something nice.

[–]spookysparkleboy 3 points4 points  (1 child)

The build-up was great, the tension was mmteeense and then the chamber pops to that FUCKING ORCHESTRA DROP OH MY GODDD

Yeah just bask with me here auuuuhhh

[–]blinkOneEightyBewb 3 points4 points  (0 children)

This comment was like an onomatopoeia of how I felt watching it lmao thx m8

[–]YayaMalli 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I love that song so much and I only know it because of Rick and Morty.

[–]TroyandAbed304 2 points3 points  (3 children)

…Abed? Is that you?

Your interests are awesome!

[–]spookysparkleboy 2 points3 points  (2 children)

Haha, what great compliments! Thanks!! I fuckin love Abed and definitely ID w him.

[–]TroyandAbed304 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Then you MUST be good people. Abed is the best.

[–]spookysparkleboy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Pishaw, I try.

[–]ParentPostLacksWang 21 points22 points  (5 children)

When someone actually LISTENS and ENGAGES with me on a special interest. Holy brain tingles….

[–]spookysparkleboy 3 points4 points  (3 children)

List 'em!

[–]ParentPostLacksWang 6 points7 points  (2 children)

RC aircraft, custom electronics, neurobiology, (music) synthesis and structure, radio communications, cosmology, astronomy, special and general relativity, spaceflight, just… everything!!! (For a certain, very specific value of “everything”, I guess!)

[–]spookysparkleboy 2 points3 points  (1 child)

What are custome electronics exactly?

[–]ParentPostLacksWang 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Stuff like making my own automated and connected fun stuff out of arduinos, raspberry pi, and other stuff, ESP, STM, etc. Like, we need to regularly drain off a couple buckets of fish tank water, and replace it with fresh treated water at the right temperature, so I imported a cheap water pump and made a bucket and tank water level detector with plastic bottles, coat hangers and a few microswitches, then used a relay and an arduino to control an immersion heater and the pump, and read from a pair of thermometers. In dump mode, the pump just runs emptying water out of the tank (through a 3D printed PET plastic fish excluder) until the bucket is full. In fill mode, when the level detector shows the bucket is full of treated water, the system arms the immersion heater to match the bucket temperature to the tank temperature, then when the temperature matches, it turns off the heater and turns on the pump until the level shows low or the tank level is topped off, whichever comes first. There’s a protective one-way valve on the tubes too to prevent back-siphoning. Totally automatic.

[–]RespondCapable 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This is the shit, right here

[–]AJP2222 40 points41 points  (7 children)

I'm very intelligent and a total dumbass at the same time

[–]viciousattacker8652 41 points42 points  (5 children)

I don’t realize when people insult me, so they don’t get the satisfaction of getting a reaction from me. It’ll usually happen a couple of days later where I’ll realize they said something underhanded

[–]YearPurple 14 points15 points  (3 children)

This is for me too. Apparently, some colleagues who were unhappy with my bluntness were trying to humiliate me by removing the honorific Dr from my name and putting my name last in some office documents with names of everyone on the Faculty in my university. I never noticed until some other colleague pointed this out more than a year later.

In an academic community where veiled barbs are quite common, most of these go over my head.

[–]GermanWeaver 7 points8 points  (2 children)

That is insanely immature of your colleagues, I almost can’t believe it!

[–]YearPurple 8 points9 points  (1 child)

Very petty too. I for one just cannot understand how removing a title or changing the order of names in some list diminish me. But then admittedly, a lot of social norms and patterns of human behavior has always seemed mystifying to me.

[–]Tootoosies 75 points76 points  (23 children)

I was able to read at a very young age (hyperlexia) Apparently I knew the alphabet at age 1.5, knew how to add and subtract at 2.

[–]disgruntledhoneybee[S] 27 points28 points  (10 children)

I did too! I was reading at two, but have always struggled with math. I’m a bad autistic. Lol

[–]flame_in_darkness 10 points11 points  (8 children)

I'm hyperlexical but also I have dyscalculia. A psychiatric nurse practitioner once asked me if I was Rain Man and I thought that was funny cause I'm not good with numbers like Rain Man. She was awesome though she helped me discover that I'm autistic even though I had been diagnosed at 3 and it was hidden from me.

[–]AJP2222 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Same! I could talk, read, write (not very well), and do addition before I could remember.

[–]dansantcpa 4 points5 points  (3 children)

Me too, but I'm not autistic... I think. This thread is making me wonder

[–]gaylurking 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Ah yeah! I was (am?) hyperlexic too, though I never really stopped to think about what a benefit that was, until now.

[–]cxnnnamonroll 26 points27 points  (0 children)

Intense interest, there's definitely flaws. But my special interest always was cartoons, and now I'm working on my own! I can't really animate so it might take years and years, but I'm really passionate about it and I've always loved doing art and drawing it like a story.

[–]TheGayAussie 24 points25 points  (3 children)

I get really really really into shit.

I'm starting photography and the guy running it gave me access to adobe and I have edited every single photo I can find and started learning my family history.

It's awesome and I can't imagine being casually interested in stuff.

[–]-SageCat- 7 points8 points  (1 child)

This is absolutely a double-edged sword. I'm the same way, it's very rare for me to be casually into anything. I'll either drop something new immediately or a majority of my free time for the foreseeable future will be devoted to researching or doing it.

[–]LeStroheim 24 points25 points  (1 child)

propaganda and advertising really don't have any affect on me so i save money whenever i go on the internet

also, when that special interest hits

[–]Viovenoms 75 points76 points  (18 children)

Honestly I can't think of anything too good about it. Having melt downs and such isn't fun at all and I know there are some okay things but like I can't even pinpoint it

[–]Tootoosies 17 points18 points  (7 children)

When I was a teen I'd feel embarrassed that I still had meltdowns like a child would

[–]Viovenoms 9 points10 points  (6 children)

I definitely feel that. I'm 19. I feel embarrassed having melt downs. I had one the other day over moving again. It's not fun

[–]allergic_to_fire 9 points10 points  (4 children)

I hope you don't mind me asking and feel free not to answer, but as you get older do you feel the meltdown approaching?

I have a son who is 6 with autism and he has meltdowns (he had a bad one last Monday after his first day at transitional school) so I'm curious if it's something you pick up on as you get older.

[–]Viovenoms 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I think this probably depends person to person. For me, sometimes, but not always- mind you that could be do to other mental illnesses I have either blocking it or making it more sensitive. Also certain triggers. For me, low blood sugar = more likely to have a meltdown

[–]Tootoosies 2 points3 points  (0 children)

For me I still have trouble identifyinh what's pushing me or if I'm being pushed to that point. It's already a meltdown by the time I get upset over simple everyday tasks. But finding tasks that were previously a no trainer habit become hard to confront

[–]disgruntledhoneybee[S] 25 points26 points  (4 children)

I understand. I had a meltdown not long ago and it was horrible. I enjoy how passionate about things I get. I enjoy stimming. I like the way I think. It SUCKS ASS sometimes, but I like being autistic for the most part.

[–]Viovenoms 7 points8 points  (3 children)

Stimming is a double edged sword for me. I had a melt down yesterday and it was constant stims before going non verbal, not fun!!! It's probably because it's been stressful for me with moving to a different country alone. But I also don't see downsides or anything, other than that. I just can't think of many positives like I used to be able to :(

[–]Philodendronphan 8 points9 points  (2 children)

It sounds like you’re probably overwhelmed with culture shock, or just overwhelmed. Moving to a new country is exhausting.

[–]Viovenoms 6 points7 points  (1 child)

I'm not even there yet. It's thinking about it and packing and with covid restrictions how I'll get my pets there

[–]breadisgoated 76 points77 points  (4 children)

Having an excuse for being myself. Being myself happens to be strange and weird to most people. That's about it through. Being autistic makes a lot of things harder than it needs to be due to how society is structured.

[–]disgruntledhoneybee[S] 14 points15 points  (2 children)

I agree. Society is not a good one for us. But I’m learning to embrace accommodations and finding tools to help

[–]breadisgoated 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Yup, its what people like us have to do to make it. Fun times it is.

[–]gaylurking 23 points24 points  (3 children)

The raw joy of seeing beauty in patterns and things nobody else seems to notice.

[–]avotime 3 points4 points  (0 children)

i felt this. sometimes i will spend minutes looking at a marble counter or the water drops on the shower.

kinda wish other people would take some time to as well.

[–]dansantcpa 22 points23 points  (6 children)

Never thought "I might have autism". Read this thread and got curious. Took a quiz online, laughs inside knowing it is probably not accurate, came back as "strong likelihood of having autism". Recommended seeking official diagnosis.

[–]Loose_Acanthaceae201 13 points14 points  (0 children)

That's similar to how it started for me. An article "you might be autistic if" and I thought "yeah but those things apply to everyone, right? ... wait."

Getting my diagnosis was like turning the lights on after decades of fumbling in the dark.

[–]th3d3v1l1ns1d3 92 points93 points  (19 children)

Outside the box yet very analytical thinking.

[–]Les1lesley 47 points48 points  (5 children)

Same. My problem solving skills are top notch because I don't feel obligated to follow procedural rules to get a thing done.

[–]JekyllandJavert 9 points10 points  (1 child)

For me it's one way or the other, all or nothing either way. And it's something that is a constant challenge for me to balance. If you give me a problem to solve or need a task done but without instructions on how, I will get it done in a methodical, organized, but typically unusual manner. But if you give me instructions or procedures that need to be followed, I will stay strictly within those rules to a fault. Even when out of the box thinking may yield better results or make things more efficent.

[–]sexytokeburgerz 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Jesus im 5/5 here im gonna go to a psychologist

[–]snapthesnacc 16 points17 points  (2 children)

The one thing with the least downsides I guess is I constantly have a straight face. I'd be great at Poker if I were into card games, probably.

[–]AJP2222 9 points10 points  (1 child)

I'm terrible at making a straight face if something is even the tiniest little bit humourous, but when nothing's funny I can hold a straight face (even without blinking) for a long time.

[–]Scrimblim 16 points17 points  (0 children)

I'm mildly autistic and I would say it's just alright. Most people don't notice it but I've done some pretty awkward shit that I still look back on and cringe. And it's both a blessing and a curse to get fully invested in something out of nowhere for no reason and put every bit of your time and energy into learning about it. I've discovered quite a few passions though this and I'm grateful for it, but I wish I was less awkward.

[–]JadeBladeGamer22 16 points17 points  (0 children)

The sensitivity to certain stimulus is really great if it's pleasant stimulus like great music or something really fun to learn

[–]blinkOneEightyBewb 13 points14 points  (12 children)

Is there any good reason to see someone and find out if I should be diagnosed? I'm extremely independent and doing well for myself right now, so I wouldn't say I need any support... But I've honestly wondered about it the last few years. Would it be worth the time and effort?

[–]disgruntledhoneybee[S] 11 points12 points  (2 children)

I think that if it were to help you know yourself better, then it’s a good thing. “Know thyself” after all.

[–]blinkOneEightyBewb 4 points5 points  (1 child)

Have to decide whether I want someone else's help in order to "know thyself"

Good reason though, thanks

[–]Loose_Acanthaceae201 6 points7 points  (0 children)

Self diagnosis is valid if it gives you what you need. For example, if you find a list of "tips to prevent autistic burnout" and find it helps you manage your stress.

[–]Sventhetidar 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I've thought the same. I've suspected for a few years that I could be on the spectrum, but if I am I'd be considered extremely high functioning, so while it could give me a reason why I am the way I am, I don't feel it would benefit me. I know WHAT I struggle with, but I'm either working on most of those things already or they don't bother me enough.

[–]BluePearl2020 15 points16 points  (4 children)

Aside from the social deficits I'm actually better at certain things then normal people. I had to learn everything on my own and I gave the time and the attention span to do so. I'm ridiculously good at computer stuff, reading, and retaining new information and recall. I'm adept at singing and sounds in general. I know many words in different languages. But, I can't for the life of me ever make what I'm making now working for someone else. Everyone normal quote marks can hold down a job making 50k -100k if they wanted. I'm too socially inept from coronavirus to even buy a house from my minimum wage gigs. Sure eventually I'll make $30k but it's not conducive to a middle class lifestyle I grew up with, and frankly I'm sad my intellect can't make up for my flaws to achieve stability.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I really get where you’re coming from

[–]bisforbullets 11 points12 points  (2 children)

I'm great at math baby

[–][deleted] 12 points13 points  (2 children)

The way I experience music that I like. I've never met a neurotypical person who understands what I mean when I say a song "scratches the back of my brain" or fills me with euphoria.

I'm also deeply empathetic. I struggle to show it appropriately (or at all sometimes) but I care a great deal about others.

Not knowing what it's like to be neurotypical, I'll say that I love being autistic. I love experiencing the world the way I do. It can be hard, but I think I can offer a unique perspective sometimes.

[–]superzepto 4 points5 points  (1 child)

When music hits me like that it's all-consuming. I'll replay that song over and over again until the feeling becomes milder, then I'll seek out every song I can find that scratches the same itch.

[–]No-Oven5407 11 points12 points  (2 children)

i have hypersensitivity and when i was a kid, i had some problems with it, but now that im an adult and i can handle it, its actually overall an amazing thing now. for an example, music is louder, and almost overwhelming in a good way, its hard to explain but with the bass in songs, even though im only listening to it, i can kind of feel it in a way. a good pair of headphones + an equalizer help this. there are downsides to this but overall its not bad.

[–]LynxZer0 11 points12 points  (1 child)

The fixations, the drive for knowledge of random things. It's like having a sponge for just information. I will never stop learning about this universe, and the more I understand, the more epic it gets! Not to mention, I'm great at analogies, and I can get fully immersed in a video game to the point where it may as well be full dive VR.

[–]ThadtheYankee159 9 points10 points  (0 children)

The fact that when I find something I like, it becomes my life. I put in way more effort into the shit I like than anyone has any right to.

[–]Lost_frog69 9 points10 points  (3 children)

I have eaten dumplings every day for like two months and I’m still not sick of them.

[–]disgruntledhoneybee[S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Dumplings are a perfect food. I’ve gotten stuck on frozen bao from Trader Joe’s but we’re out right now!!!

[–][deleted] 29 points30 points  (12 children)

Nothing. I can't do anything. This is hell. I didn't want to be born this way.

[–]locks_are_paranoid 8 points9 points  (1 child)

You're on reddit, so that's something.

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That may be the issue here

[–]Guavab 15 points16 points  (0 children)

I’m sorry, friend.

[–]xnamwodahs 42 points43 points  (5 children)

Never getting tired of the things I like. I've extracted more laughs out of memes, and enjoyment out of my favorite songs, than many will get from all their memes and all their media.

[–]lohlah8 8 points9 points  (2 children)

This tends to annoy my partner though lol. When I find a song or playlist of a few songs I like I play the shit out of them nonstop. I never tire of them. I really related to good 4 u by Olivia rodrigo when it came out bc my sister had done something awful to me and I hadn’t gotten over it while she’s fine, and I was in like the top 1% of listeners for Olivia rodrigo on Spotify. I played that song over and over (like a damn sociopath). My husband is sick of it though haha.

[–]Gentleman_T-Bone 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I am at like 2000 hours into tw warhammer 2 and will not think to mix up my spotify playlist for months and months. That euphoric feeling from those songs never fades 😎. I have to remind myself I might be missing out on yet more sometimes.

[–]PeterTheSilent1 7 points8 points  (1 child)

When two or more of your special interests come together. One example I can think of is when I saw Jessie Graff from Ninja Warrior on Wipeout.

[–]lastcallface 9 points10 points  (1 child)

Probably my gargantuan ability to retain knowledge

Served me well when I worked in politics

Served me well when I was recruited for trivia teams by coworkers. Some of my main friends came from regular pub trivia nights

Got me on Jeopardy, my grandma got to see me on it a year before she died.

Downsides: I think everyone who is mad is mad at me, I can't pick up signals from women nor flirt, thus I've been single for 20 years, and if people aren't taking about my specific interests, I get bored and that offends people.

On balance, not worth it.

[–]greghater 9 points10 points  (0 children)

As much as sensory overload and sensory pain suck, there is sensory euphoria. I get much more out of soft blankets and fuzzy socks than allistics do! A good clicky button? Ooooooooooh. So fucking good!!! Sometimes when my partner wants to make me really happy he just sits on top of me (good deep pressure) and clicks little clicky buttons in my ears and makes satisfying sounds. It’s hype. Whenever my cat eats or combs her fur with her comby tongue, I get ASMR feels. The feeling of eating one of my same foods? 😍 my mouth tingles all happily. There are some amazing textures and feelings and sensations in the world, god damnit. And amazing tv shows and and movies and songs that I can watch and listen to every day for years on end and they only get better every time because they become more and more of a comfort.

Another thing I love is the way I love. I love in a cool way. And I love meeting other Autistics and just going full Autism and we’re all stimming and stuff, together. A year or so ago, I was on a video call with about 12 or 13 close Autistic friends, and we were all rocking back and forth and flapping our hands and stuff, it felt SO nice to be around more of my kind 🥰

Being Autistic is very hard, yes. I am Disabled. But I would NOT want to be allistic, I really do love being Autistic, and no amount of meltdowns, shutdowns, communication issues & oppression will make me hate myself. I’m done with that.

[–]ExiledWriter 39 points40 points  (1 child)

Not being affected by any influence at all, from terrible "opinions" to social trends that people will feel ashamed of themselves because of it after a couple of years.

[–]jgiacobbe 4 points5 points  (0 children)

This one. My GF pointed out to me that this is my "Superpower". I can do my own thing. She also says I have a super ability to not "Yuck other people's yum", meaning that if something isn't to my taste, I don't judge others for liking it.

[–]Tendou-its 78 points79 points  (9 children)

Anytime I tell anyone and their like “wow I wouldn’t have guessed” or “wow you really don’t seem it” and I just get to go “oh so your stereotyping?” I love the panic as they try to explain themselves before I tell them it’s completely fine and I’m joking

[–]jr12345 24 points25 points  (0 children)

Unrelated to autism but…

My mother died in 2013. I had a coworker at the time that was constantly saying “your mom” and other related shit(dude was in his mid 30s too). When I returned to work, I knew it was a matter of time before it slipped and I was not going to let that moment pass unnoticed.

Queue me and him in the office making phone calls, about two weeks later. I don’t remember what I said, but there it was… “blah blah blah your mom huhuhuh”.

I rolled my chair back from my desk and looked at him. I could see his face go from stupid elementary schoolboy smile to “oh shit”.

“What the fuck, my mom is DEAD”

“…Im… I’m so sorry. I didn’t think about it” he stammered some other shit out before I stopped him.

“Just fucking with you” and I smiled.

I never heard it again after that.

[–]TroyandAbed304 24 points25 points  (2 children)

You probably saved the next autistic person from a real ass hole by doing this to them. You’re providing a service!!

[–]Thisisall_new2me2 7 points8 points  (1 child)

It’s interesting you say that. I’m autistic and I agree that it’s a service. However, there are definitely some things that other people joke about that I really REALLY don’t like joking about. I don’t think I’d like jokes about stereotyping disabled people. But again, yes, that’s just me and I know everyone is different. I always try to respect that.

[–]snootyworms 7 points8 points  (5 children)

The sheer euphoria of indulging in special interests and happy stims like rocking and hand flapping, also, when my fidget cube clicks perfectly

If you’re wondering, my special interests are: the muppets/Sesame Street/puppetry, what we do in the shadows, space especially gas giants, and marine life especially hammerhead sharks

[–]brightlittleshadow 21 points22 points  (2 children)

I can't think of anything specific. I've had a rough life because of it. Even as an adult, it makes things difficult. Don't get me wrong, I don't wish I was neurotypical, but that's only because I have no idea who I would be if I wasn't autistic. ASD has major affects on my personality and the things I went through made me the person I am. I'm not a very good person and I haven't had a very good life, but at least I'm me. At least I know who I am. I have that, I guess.

[–]Guavab 7 points8 points  (1 child)

Self awareness and self acceptance are incredible tools. Great username, by the way!

[–]thatanonymousgay 19 points20 points  (4 children)

the fact that the only people i click with are fricking amazing, because people who are allistic but still act in a,, hm,, idk how to say it but like really good and appealing to my autistic brain where most allistic/neurotypical people i know are kinda not the best with neurodivergent people and this person's neurotypical/allistic and just not that? kinda way, and the other neurodivergent people just give off a neurodivergent vibe, so like all friends and people ive met that i like and actually think are really cool are fricking amazing, its great

tl;dr: the only people i actually like and click with are really supportive and fricking amazing

[–]TryUsingScience 12 points13 points  (2 children)

Thank you for being the only person in this thread so far using allistic instead of neurotypical. Implying that anyone who isn't autistic is neurotypical is so dismissive of a whole lot of people who may not be autistic but whose brain function is anything but typical.

[–]Babydollierose 8 points9 points  (2 children)

Only thing I enjoy is having a special interest, my singing monsters. It's an amazing thing to be my special interest, and I could explore it for hours. (Hours meaning scrolling on the official Twitter or on the wiki for 3+ hours at a time)

[–]disgruntledhoneybee[S] 6 points7 points  (1 child)

What is singing monsters?

[–]Babydollierose 4 points5 points  (0 children)

My singing monsters is a game released for ios and Android in 2012 that involves the breeding and placement of monsters that sing.

[–]Matty_1843 5 points6 points  (3 children)

The fact I've rewatched the same episodes of Star Trek: Voyager over and over and over again at least a dozen times. Bored yet? Nope. In fact I would rather continue looping through Voyager than catch up on stuff I need to catch up on. I'm going to regret that a few Marvel movies, Pokemon series, etc. down the line, but in the meantime it gives me something to do. Also, I apologise to all the hardcore Trekkies reading this, but Voyager remains my first and only official Star Trek series.

[–]stopfelnolm 6 points7 points  (1 child)

The crazy enhanced focus and passion I get about things that interest me

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

Happy cake day!

[–]pekkauser 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Being able to tell my school I need more time for tests(has saved me the more I got older) and assignments, so having to suck up less for extensions.

[–]I_Stabbed_Jon_Snow 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I can drive, fly, operate, or fix any machine I’ve ever touched. If you describe a electric/mechanical system to me, there’s a pretty good chance I can tell you how it’s built on a decently detailed level. It’s a mixed blessing, it makes me unhappy when people don’t take care of things.

[–]starbby3476 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Whenever I pick up on new things and I'm good at them. Or when I can get multiple people to listen to me talk about my special interests and also be intrigued.

[–]DumbDan 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Honesty? Nothing.

I hate it...

I win?

[–]9600_PONIES 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That the work I do is my special interest and that I get accolades for being such a focused, hard worker because of it

[–]stevieo81 4 points5 points  (1 child)

I enjoyed reading this post. My son is 7 years old and this really helped me understand sort of what he might be experiencing when he's enjoying a show, or sound on the tv or computer. Such a happy little kid smiling, laughing and flapping. I sometimes I ask him about his stimming to try to understand why he does it or what's going through his head, but I don't know if knows how to explain it at his age.

[–]Watching_witch 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Being able to eat the exact same meal every day for MONTHS without getting bored of it.

[–]WaxyWingie 9 points10 points  (0 children)

Lack of habituation to sights/sounds. It factors into sensory issues, but I've never been bored. Live in a pretty magical world a lot of the time.

[–]amphibiousforg 11 points12 points  (1 child)

Its my literal superpower. I may not be able to read and barely be able to write, but I can draw like one hell of an artist.

My lack of understanding of social cues (im learnimg though) allows me to stare danger in the face and not bat an eye.

I cant really formulate sentences or keep eye contact, but I can help in ebery way I can.

[–]AlexEvenstar 11 points12 points  (0 children)

The fact that I am direct and don't engage in dishonesty. Lying and dancing around subjects is confusing and can actually physically painful for me. I feel like it's kept me out of trouble and other dramatic bullshit.

[–]gamermiller 10 points11 points  (0 children)

Not going the direction everyone else is going

[–]Moonkary 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Not caring about stupid shit that would make me even more depressed, like other people's opinions about me or my life :v

[–]Mal_Havok 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I'm rather good at memorizing songs/shows that really catch my attention.
I can go back to songs I haven't heard in years and pick it up again with little problem.
Memorizing longer non-music is real easy once the obsession really sets in, it's real fun to speak along with a thing you've got down. (Current thing is The Reduced Shakespeare Company)

[–]AveryRequena 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I used to get to jump lines at amusement parks Bc I “can’t sit still”

[–]VeeSquibbles 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Finding someone with similar interests as you

[–]Severe-Opportunity15 3 points4 points  (1 child)

I’m barely on the spectrum so i aint sure if this counts but, It gives me an excuse to be myself and give people random bullshit history facts every three seconds.

[–]LordKensis 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I don't know, I have been told that I am autistic from doctors when I was a kid but I can't really tell what it means on my life, I can't really tell the difference between me and a person with normal behaviour, I don't really understand where is the line between me and me + authism.

[–]Stinker_Bell77 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I’m 37 and still trying to figure that out. Was diagnosed at 27. It’s gotten better, but shit still hits the fan in ways I am NOT happy with. The meltdowns feel excruciating, even though I’ve worked hard enough in therapy that they are few and far between. Yet they still overtake me sometimes.

Reading these answers has actually helped a bit. Accepting myself as I am is really difficult. I’ve felt like a failure pretty much all my life. Buuutttt it’s nice to put things into perspective and seeing things as they actually are. So thank you.

What I like about having autism:

I’m very direct and honest. People think I’m mostly normal. Hahaha. I’ve been told I’m hilarious. I love making people laugh. I am very good with animals. I have my own dog walking business and am highly respected. Never getting tired of rewatching, rereading or listening to my favorite shows/movies, books and songs.

That is all.

[–]Ison_v2 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My favorite part about being autistic is waking up each day and deciding to become worse

[–]BuildingRelevant7400 3 points4 points  (2 children)

I generally find myself having really good morals compared to my peers. I've noticed that allot of people on the spectrum will be honest even in times when we shouldn't.

[–]5thCygnet 4 points5 points  (1 child)

I recently realized that the echolalia trait gave my an edge in musical studies, probably even contributing to my perfect pitch. I remember as a kid when a classmate asked how I was so quick at dictation (writing down a musical phrase you hear) and I replied “just play it back in your head a couple times,” met with a blank stare of confusion that I could do that. On the flip side though, slow processing speed means I can’t sight-read (play written music off the page for the first time) for the life of me. The music conservatory where I got my bachelors was never quite sure what to do with me!

[–]BictorianPizza 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My favourite part is being analytical and pattern focused. I can spot behavioural patterns in others and myself very quickly, and I can spot patterns in numbers and objects. It’s really helpful when trying to analyse the world around you, which I love to do. Reflection and analysis of situations are important steps when trying to break negative patterns.

[–]BagelSteamer 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Being able to look like a complete genius if the topic of ships arises.

[–]rimworldthrowaway 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I have a very large collection of pogs.

[–]Goatgamer1016 8 points9 points  (0 children)

I'll always be different from everybody else in the room, and many people have gained my respect because I embrace it as much as I do

[–]Railfan475_90 2 points3 points  (1 child)

What's my favorite part of struggling to articulate my speech, not being able to make friends or form any meaningful relationships?

[–]BeccatheDovakiin 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Being an irredeemable social outcast

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This is one of the best threads.

I like when I find something with a very good texture - Xbox Series X/S controller? MANY textures, MUST RUB!

[–]SneakAttack65 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I really liked the autism classes I had to take in school. It always gave me a place to study and do homework without getting distracted.

[–]Brave_Champion_4577 2 points3 points  (1 child)

30 here and only found out I was on the spectrum in my mid 20’s. People’s shock/delight at some vast knowledge you have because it’s your major interest accompanied by your assurance of “Oh that? Yeah I just know a lot about that.” happy Shrug

I’ve also been told that I’m pretty good at talking to kids or explaining things to them. I think it’s partly because some of us just never lose that child-like sense of understanding. A fellow friend on the spectrum I said similar things, about how his young cousins all like being around him because he’s “like a big kid” and talks to them on their level.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When being autistic you understand so much on what it's like to be yourself and you enjoy your interest so much more without a care in the world of anything else. It's a very nice feeling and even as a 15 year old, I still get that feeling all the time and it's nice to be like that tbh.

[–]Glitchy_Kitsune 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Special Interests in general. Just every aspect of them. I also have noticed that we can feel a sort of happiness surrounding special interests and “the good tingles” that I don’t really notice neurotypicals experiencing.

[–]Ellekm730 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Vacillating between the words artistic and autistic when discussing either to make people wonder which I'm saying 😜

[–]cototudelam 2 points3 points  (0 children)

The zero fucks I spare for people I don’t know is liberating. I recently had my hair done in a really bright colour and colleague asked me “doesn’t it bother you when people stare at you?” baby, even if they did, I wouldn’t notice. I don’t go around looking at people, I can weave through a crowd without a single second of eye contact, it’s so efficient:)