Do you tell other people you have AS (or an ASD)?

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All of my friends and a few enemies know.

I still haven't figured out a non-awkward, short answer to "Why don't you look at people when you talk to them?"

I've told one person, just because I wanted someone else to know. But in general, no - I don't tell people.

Hell, no.

i said i had it in an arguement because nicky rielly had given my mates a stereotypical view of aspies

It depends on who it is and the situation. After I found out I told a few friends because it was a lot to deal with and I needed someone to talk through it with. I told some of my supervisors at work because I was having a few problems, that is how I found out about it. A couple were amazingly understanding and work with me and really seem to get it. With another it totally backfired. She is scared and doesn't understand so she pulled me away from a lot of my responsibilities. She tried to get me fired but the other supervisors fought to keep me. I don't think I'll ever tell at work again. If human resources found out I'd probably lose my health insurance. Also, I work in a very small industry and could easily get blacklisted from being hired elsewhere. I don't like the idea of telling friends right away when I meet them. I'd like them to like me for me including the Asperger's not in spite of it. I don't think they can make that decision if I tell them part of the reason I am who I am is because I have Asperger's.
I've told one boyfriend. It was much earlier than I had planned because he kept pushing me to meet his friends and family. It was too much for me and it was getting to the point of ridiculous when I was refusing to go. It went okay.

It's a secret I'd take to the grave.

I never thought to until today. I will from here on out. It can only help them understand.

I've told family members and a few of my friends, but I've never mentioned it at work. I'm working freelance at the moment, but when I worked in an office setting, I didn't say anything to anyone there because it's none of their business(and on that particular job there would be no 'advantage' to letting them in on it, anyway).


I'm not sure how to answer this question. Sort of convoluted. People have always sensed something 'different' about me and they usually reacted negatively toward me. Based on my past experience when starting a job at a new workplace, it usually takes about 2 weeks for people to notice there's something 'off' about me. I'm not really sure how 'severe' my AS is. On a scale of 1 to 10, with '1' being as close to 'normal' as possible and '10' being totally unable to hide my condition, I'd probably put myself around a 5 or a 6. I was able to mask my 'odd' behavior when I was younger but as I've gotten older (I'm 41 now) it's becoming increasingly difficult to force myself into social settings and dealing with people is almost impossible for me anymore. I guess I'm just getting tired of constantly trying to 'fit in.'