Fnord wrote:
Good enough for a technical explanation. How about an experiential one?
"Having an autism spectrum disorder is like always being on the outside looking in.
Imagine yourself on a familiar street. Inside every house, you can see a party going on -- people dancing, laughing, and socializing. Every now and then, someone will notice you and motion for you to join them; but every time you reach for the door-handle, you find that it is only painted on (and so is the door).
All of your efforts to join the party fail because you cannot find a way to enter and blend in with the people inside.
Meanwhile, other people just like you are wandering around. Occasionally, one may greet you and confirm your existence; but they are just as lost as you, and have no idea how to solve your mutual problem. Some are friendlier than others, some are more hostile; but most are indifferent, focusing solely on their own plights..."
↑ How does that grab you?
"On the outside looking in" is how I described to others how I felt, and that was before I knew about autism and what it is. Very accurate in terms of the impact on the social experiences, which for us high-functioning folks is the primary challenge.