Do aspies tend to become more neurotypical as they age?

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No you can NEVER be a neurotypical but you can AQUIRE Theory of Mind if you learn and have someone who will invest the time to teach you.

Once on the spectrum always on it. BUT hey embrace it, enjoy it and make the most of the talents that neurotypicals don't have! And they are many!

You cannot FAKE being a NT, you can adapt to behaving in a similar way IF you are helped with CBT. I may be shot down in flames for this, so running for cover...............I am not a believer or a supporter of ABA!

I don't think I've become "normal," but I know I've grown up quite a lot.

We do learn to fake quite well though it puts me off socialising to be honest.

What is CBT and why is it responsible for your development of empathy?

Hiya CBT is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. This involves counselling but counselling with a twist! We on the spectrum do not need to OPEN up! We are not animals we do not need to be TAUGHT to tell you we love you, we need to be taught how to FEEL love! We on the spectrum need PRACTICAL help with PRACTICAL solutions. This Freudian rubbish is most unhelpful to us on the spectrum!! Grrrrrrrr

Our mirror neurons in our prefrontal cortex need oiling up and once they begin to work with therapy, empathy can be learned. I have gone from 1st Order ToM to 4th in 2yrs. The difference in my life is HUGE.

CBT is GENTLE, it is kind and it is effective. Simple solutions to complex problems. In my opinion! But we have combined CBT with Jacobs Ladders methods which are working wonderfully well with me and my children!

Basically, we become good at acting in life as real actors become good at acting on the stage-experience.

I agree, actors on a stage. Those of us on the spectrum survive using MIMICKING techinques, sadly we can NEVER truly MIRROR others, we just don't have the same equipment as neurotypicals. We do the best we can under very difficult circumstances!

Echolalia has a lot to answer for!!

In my best form I can blend the good traits of both worlds... it goes down exceptionally well when I'm on top of my game in the world of music.

In my worst form I just can't seem to do anything... and I feel that some demonic force is preventing me from putting in any effort lol... not literally of course but it does feel like that sometimes.

This may be why I've developed great stage skills too... I'm constantly performing.

"all the worlds a stage"

I always recommned to parents that if their kids want to join seomthing in school they should try the drama team. I actually won a few awards for reading and the things I learned there have helped me a lot when I do have to talk to people, (unless I'm really stressed and then I can't seem to do it.)

About CBT... I found Ration Emotive Therapy, (at least as practiced by one therapist) pretty effective for my depression. I think I was always very empathetic(to much so) to abstract human suffering or animal suffering...it's just knowing what to do when someone ends a relationship(especially when you always thought the guy wa a jerk) that I can't seem to master. I hate trying to figure out what to do/say. I'm still confused about the whole "love" thing, at least the way my society defines it.

Don't think so- I'm just so focused on getting my tasks done, that I'm so respected for what I do, and no one really starts up with me.

Although I will occasionally joke around about my flaws. And when a really loud sound goes off, I don't run like a b***h, covering my ears screaming and crying...I just go "YEAH, that was loud"...and walk away really fast. It almost makes it somewhat humorous to a lot of people, so I guess that...I don' know...it just helps me out a bit...being humorous about all of it.

I also directly admit my setbacks- I'm not in denial about anything...I never even understand the point of being in denial.

So no- my AS has not gone away- I've just learned how to WORK WITH IT to my advantage

I wouldn't use da word NT but we tend 2 lose some of da traits we had in earlier life but da AS is always there.

Don't new brain neurons/ connections form with repeating certain behaviour and old ones shrivel up when not used?

Okay, so considering I only just found out I'm an Aspie...and I'm 40...let me think...

I am still vastly different than the NT's I observe. I know that I don't come across quite as eccentric as I used to. I have lesser problems with:
eye contact
monologuing
communicating
echolalia
perseverating

I still:
prefer to write a letter than talk to some one
hate the telephone
read lips rather than look at eyes
have meltdowns (but not as bad)
know how to deal with my sensory issues
get obsessed by my interests
have a hard time showing emotion on my face (feels like a mask)

I can put on an act and behave almost totally indistinguishable from NT's...but inside I know it's all an act. It doesn't come naturally.

I am better at telling how people are feeling. I can generally guess right as to their meaning when they are telling me things. However, I have been told that people have no idea how I"m feeling as I don't show it on my face (many facial expressions feel like I have to do it on purpose, and don't feel natural). I'm in the midst of having to force it, because I know people expect it.

I have modes...secretary, shopper, lover, and mother...for example. I sort of know how to emote in those modes for NT's. But I"m an Aspie...and that's okay.