Snibe42 wrote:
I'm going through exactly the same things. When people say those things about me now, I want to respond that I have AS. I haven't yet. Only mentioned it to one or two people at work so far. I have a desire to let people know that there is a reason why I am the way I am. At the same time, I don't want anyone to know. If that makes sense. I guess I don't want them to treat me any differently.
If you've mentioned it to one person at your workplace, it's not a secret any more. I would never do that. But, I may be a bit paranoid here.
This dichotomy with telling it or not is familiar to me. As yet, I've told it only to my immediate family and two of my closest friends. Since I don't think people around me are tolerant enough in this county where I live, I wouldn't go further. The result itself is quite unpredictable.
What I feel is that it's better to be seen as a "normal" person, as far as it can go, even if it means excessive compromises. Usually I let people think about myself what they wish. I'm not bothered if I'm being laughed at. I try to be kind with everyone, even when I hold them a grudge. Now I'm even more concerned about it than I used to before my first aha moment with AS. I've put up with turning down people trying to help me socialize more. I avoid flat refusal though, whenever I can. Sometimes I would accept an invitation, at least I'm not denying it by principle.