I have a facebook account, but have only used it sporadically since I started back in 2009.
I don't go for the whole I have 1000 friends, but no one really knows me, so I only have friends on facebook that I have met in the flesh, mostly people I've known a long time and distant relatives I want to get back in touch with.
I have about 20 online friends, but would happily meet with anyone I add as a friend on facebook, to not do that would feel inauthentic.
Like you, my immediate family have treated me like crap for a long time, and only now that I have been diagnosed with ASD (was diagnosed on Friday) does it all make sense.
Why I'm different, and what is different about me is explained, but why I got treated so bad is not, and is not excusable.
In my case I'm a bit older, independent and married so I sent a letter - old school snail mail -to my parents, saying that I have been diagnosed, that it explains why I am different but that they are still not welcome in my life.
Family owe you unconditional love and support, and if they are not providing you that, they are not showing you the respect you deserve as a family member.
At your age I would recommend you raise your concerns with them. Write them a letter if you can't verbalise this too them.
Don't be like me and get to your 30's or 40's and have a family rift because no one wanted to talk about the elephant in the room when you were in your teens.
You can't put the genie back in the bottle, but this is something you don't want to keep bottled up, or it will only make things worse.
14 Jul 2013, 3:40 pm
