AS - As I Would Explain It

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Greetings Single Aspies!

Here's how I would explain my tic to my new date on the basis that we've had one or two outings and gotten a little more comfortable in each other's company. Depending on how things transpire on the first contact, I might even disclose it to her right away:

"I'd like to explain to you something about me: I have a tic; it makes me come across to people as a little bit odd. It's called Asperger's syndrome by its real name. I can bore you to tears rambling on and on about it, I can leave you to Google it, or you can follow me and catch on to and learn the signs as we go along, or you can ask me anything you want to know about it and I'll tell you."

I might also add the words: "Don't worry, it's not dangerous or contagious or anything", and turn it into a subject for some impromtu stand-up comedy

I can't imagine a better way to find out whether she is open-minded and tolerant. Acceptance from her would likely mean much of the same from her family and friends. OTOH if she drops you just because of that, then she's not worth paying any more attention to anyway.

And now, dear reader, how would YOU explain it to her?

or him
well I'd sit him (or her) down and flat out explain it
explain what it does-maybe give him or her a book to read
etc

I've gone through life not knowing
what I was. I'm not even sure
it has to be discussed. Depends
on the why's and all. Like, if she
asks you why you hate people,
you could say, "because they're
morons - and I have AS"

thats a good way too

I would be casual about it... just mention it when it comes up, for example if your date says that you're really different from anyone they've known, etc. Don't make a huge deal out of it or they might get the impression it's consuming you. Remember, AS is not a disability, it's just being different.

to some people
I see it as a disabilaty

Yeah, though I usually try and turn things
like that to my advantage. I just don't see
it as that big a thing. The effects are more so.

So, when I tell someone that I'm without a job
(not the case momentarily), I rather let that sit,
along with why I'm ok with that. I don't want to
use AS as an excuse. I figure that once they have
enough information to decide that they want to
stick around, then they probably know just about
everything about me. Just let it come up, if it does.

The fact we're so heavily outnumbered makes it a disability.

If we were in the majority, those irrational, illogical, monkey-see-monkey-do NT's would be the ones at a disadvantage.

Exactly - society is not geared towards coping with us (at least not in most things). I would have to explain to the other person that I have ultra-sensitive hearing and that being in crowded and noisy places stresses me out a lot. Some people prefer quieter and more secluded places anyway.

yeh try not to go on about it like me.

nice one

Tell them about www.wrongplanet.net and tell them your handle if you feel compelled to do so.

Maybe they'll see were'not such a bad bunch after all.

Tell them about www.wrongplanet.net and tell them your handle if you feel compelled to do so.

Maybe they'll see were'not such a bad bunch after all.

I think your line with the words "tic" and such is waaay over the top papillon, actually it makes AS sound weird, I think that might turn some people off.

I'd probably just flat out tell them.

Yeah, the direct approach is the best - no need to dumb it down or over-exaggerate. Give them the basic text-book definition and flesh it out with examples, drawing on past behaviours they may have noticed. Questions are good.

Image that LOL