How do I gain my Independence?

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I'm 17 with ASD/AS and a lot of people think that I am like special needs and that I always need to have someone to help me with anything and it is really embarrassing and I don't know why I am always treated like this. I also act really slow when I do things like when I am in a cooking class or some other class where I have to do "Hands on" activitys I go really slow so the other people try to rush me and tell me to do the work faster or they act like I need assistance and I am always trying to tell them I can do this my own. And I find it really frustrating when someone try's to help me like I don't know what I am doing even though I do. I also have a problem with people trying to correct my school work. This problem only happens in school but every time I do a school work the other students will say I'm wrong and that I need to check it like every single time and I feel so stupid when they do this to me. I also get them really mad at me and they think that I am slow because I will want to do something one way and they will tell me that I am not doing the project the way that they said that they should. I also have more than one person try to help me with what I am doing and I find it really embarrassing. I don't like being told what to do by peers my age because that makes me think that I am weak and the other students try to correct me a lot and tell me what to do. I would like to know how do I gain my Independence from other students my age?

It would be hard to give you an accurate answer without observing what is going on. DO you see any kind of counselor who might be able t give you better advice?

I will admit. I was undiagnosed at your age and joined the US Army. I was already a great runner and hiker and shooter so I had an edge on my peers and that allowed me to excel.

It gave me self discipline which turned to self respect which turned to courage. You will need all of these.

For me running is key. The excercise helps mitigate meltdowns and made me less a target of bullies. I am also a biker. I am used to thinking quickly and this is possible because I have always been a runner.

It isn't easy. It is worth it to be free and to be able to think and work on my own.

I recommend you find something to be GREAT at. This also mitigates bullies, provides a steady income, is attractive to girls and will help turn the tables on those who constantly try to correct you.

The secret to all of this (especially the running) is to never quit.

Good luck.