What it feels like to have autism

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Christ people, read the OP properly. They were asking you to give opinions, not an account of what autism is like for you.

I loved the article. I related to parts. I get nervous when going to a pub too but don't have all those thoughts. In fact, I'm probably less aware of my thoughts because of all my sensory issues. I didn't see much about sensory issues in there. So, like Tuttle I'm less about anxiety (unless the damn medication triggers it) and more about being overwhelmed.
I really like the way you wrote it and how you tried to get people to understand what it's like to be autistic. And I like how you gave an NT point of view. I do kind of know a bit about that but don't write about it. I more or less just accuse people.
I think understanding the behaviour of others can be taught. I'm interested in psychology so I like to analyse people's behaviour.
Yes, I don't know what it's like to be NT but through observation and talking to them you kind of get an idea. I write loads about being autistic but in a pedantic way as though I'm writing a manual.

I have a blog in my signature if you'd like to read it.

I'd originally not responded in that manner because of not relating much to what was written with the lack of sensory issues and focus on anxiety. Of course I later mentioned this.



Maybe I'll be able to compare more later, but I'm not able to now. I also was questioning whether I was autistic until recently, because I had self-diagnosed based of of a psychologist's suggestion but hadn't been diagnosed until lately. I'm curious whether there's any correlation between ability to say what being autistic is like compared to NT and length of time since diagnosis. I expect to be better at this at some point later.

Apologies for my outbursts for the last 3 days people.
Sometimes I forget how much theory of mind one has, which includes me because I automatically assume everyone understands things like me.

Also, sorry Jesus, for the blasphemy.

Well I don't even know if I have AS or autism so I can't really give my opinion on the article. But I related to a lot of it, especially this:

I never quite thought about it that way before but that makes a lot of sense. I seem to have this delayed reaction to things, like if a person makes a really snide comment to me, it doesn't sink in right away. I don't feel upset when it happens, I tend to have really good humor about it. Then later on, maybe days, maybe weeks later I'll get to thinking about it and start obsessing over what they said and wondering why they said that. I will wonder why it's bothering me because it didn't feel like it bothered me at first. But after some time passes, the emotion becomes more immediate. I don't know if it's so much that I have a feeling of disgust about feeling upset, so much as that I just don't always recognize it at first. I get stuck in being philsophical about a situation, being fair-minded.

I feel like a young 20 year Mod who's on amphetamines, but I really enjoy the rush that the feeling gives me.

I see a lot of myself in what you've written. I've been there, I've lived that. So I'd say that you have written a very accurate description of what Autism can be like for some people. But the Spectrum is wide, so many other people will have different experiences. We all have our story to tell…

Couldn't agree more!

It makes my skin hurt when it touches air, clothes, and whatever.

It makes it too hard to clean my teeth most nights, even with a carer doing it (an example of how hard stuff is).

It makes me fail at pretty much everything "normal".

I didn't know there was anything wrong with me before knowing.

It's the same thing over and over again. These things have been said by a million aspies (though it does get simpler and more pointed every time around). How many of us would have to say these things before NTs started to believe us ??

P.S I did read the article. Agree with most of the things, except the stuff that is uniquely western. It's beyond my comprehension, I'm from India.

I feel like there's a five-inch thick force field between me and everyone else.

Read the whole thing Kit920 and enjoyed it. I can relate about the part about bars pretty well; in retrospect, I realize I get pretty anxious about going to a new bar. Once I find one I like, it's the only one I'll go to. Several years ago I had a bunch of blind dates and made sure they were all at this particular bar that was just a couple blocks from home. Sat in the same chair at the same table and ordered the same thing every time.

There's an experience I've gone through many times that I think may be ASD-related, and wonder if anyone else goes through the same thing. When I meet someone new (either a potential romantic interest, or just a potential platonic friend/activity partner) I could usually act "normal" and be likable for a little while, but worried that the personal relationship would almost inevitably go downhill the longer I knew the person, and the more time we spent together, as I couldn't keep up the effort to be "normal" for very long. The few exceptions have made up my small circle of friends. Though I'm fortunate to be in a relationship with a mostly good, caring person, the mere thought of having to date again stresses me out.

I just clicked on your article. I have not read it yet but I was looking at the baby sleeping. I am guessing it might be a baby pic of you? But I LOVE how you(?) have "all your(?) ducks in a row!" That is so cute!

That is a very good article and I learned something new about my self too which is awesome. I could really relate to the point about how autistic people are super loyal and ridiculously helpful if they really like you. I never knew why I was like that and it was always kind of weird but now I know. Thank you for that.

The part you wrote about spending time alone as a kid was like me too and I never really knew exactly how to relate like other kids did and sometimes I had weird conversations so having lots of friends was hard. I find some people boring and I did not realize that until I read your article! But that is good to know. But I think that the points you made really good especially how you described the anxiety to going to the bar or the hairdresser. I don't have anxiety like that but I have it in other ways and I could relate and make the analogy.

I like how you write though and I hope that you might be able to write more articles explaining different things about autism than what you wrote in this one. I don't know if this is exactly what you were asking as far as a response but I hope it helps.