Aspergers: Living above the Influence

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I see these anti-drug commericials on TV, and they say, "Live about the influence" in reference to making decisions outside of peer pressure.

I think all Aspies live abouve the influence because we never really even understand it.

Aspergers, IMO, should adopt their slogan since it fits us better then an NT.

Best,

Idaho Aspie

Not every autistic person lives above the influence.

But I agree that we're better at making decisions while putting aside outside influences.

I never fell for peer pressure, and I never had any need to fit in to look cool by smoking for instance.

If someone ever asked me if I wanted to try a drink, I'd get nervous and kinda mumble no.

I have in recent times opened up a little more though,

I think in moderation, a drink or two can help to be on other people's "level".

It seems strange to think that I have to be impaired to be more socially adequate even to an NT that is sober.

If we are technically "socially ret*d" (I know ret*d is the worst way to say it and I don't like to say that at all) then why is it we have to drink to be on the level of an NT?
makes you wonder who is the "ret*d" one.

It's a great slogan but the word 'above' (not sure if it's above or about, you've used both) might be a problem because it implies superiority.

I think you're referring to an insensitivity to peer pressure, not that we're immune to addiction or apt to altogether refuse to smoke, drink, etc., although sensitivities might protect some from this. Without a lot a friends, what reason does one have to care about what other people think?

This same insensitivity to peer pressure is a double edged sword, and we have to be careful not to put people off by acting superior. I have wondered if my stance on smoking may put people off. I suppose if it were harmless to the smoker, I wouldn't care if other people smoke up no matter how bad they stink, just as long as I don't have to be around it too long. How does that sound? Maybe there really isn't a good way to express concern without ruining someone's fun. Anything one can say or do will involve taking the unwelcome initiative.

At times I have wondered whether decisions I made to remain healthy may have had a social cost, like maybe people endure the negative effects of some of the things they do because it improves their socializing opportunities. In other words, to rot away in bliss. But then I read here that smoking didn't give anyone more of a social life than they had before, so I guess I really don't regret the decisions I made.

those are the dumbest commercials, dont smoke weed you might dissagpoint your dog or your brother ro some stupid s**t

I think because the drinking calms the non-social parts of the brain that get in the way of using the social abilities we do have.

(Yes, sometimes I answer rhetorical questions even if I know they are rhetorical. )

A. Quite on the contrary, I think that when you are aware of the full dimension of peer pressure around you, your immunisation has extinguished.

B. As long as you are unaware of that there is peer pressure and do not feel the effects it has on you (meaning: really understand it), you will not bend to it. Why would you... you cannot recognise its meaning.

C. Just knowing that there is something called peer pressure, but not knowing how it feels like is not the same as understanding what peer pressure all is.

Autism usually automatically puts you in B. Maybe in C. if you're socially less impaired in some areas.


Yet, peer pressure or not, the result can often be the same.

Alcohol, other drugs... what really gets you into that stuff isn't the peer pressure, but whatever issue your yourself has.

The peer pressure is just a catalyst. If you just try drugs because your friend has tried them but have no reason to take them, have a wonderful awesome time at life, then there's usually only a small chance you get stuck with them.

But if you have big enough of an issue, peer pressure isn't needed to get you into drugs. May take a bit longer, if there's a difference at all.

I think a small amount of alcohol helps me because it slows my thoughts down a little. I don't get so far ahead of myself in my thoughts. I feel more locked in to the conversation. When completely sober my mind has this tendency to launch off on tangents mid-conversation. I drift out of the conversation and into my own thoughts at which point I've effectively excluded myself from the social setting and appear to be daydreaming.