Looking back at school life, advice to those living it NOW

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I went to elementary (primary) school in the 1970s. Autism wasn't talked about much, let alone Asperger's. Since I didn't know I was on the spectrum then, it was VERY hard for me. I had no idea how to interact with the other students, and when I tried to - I either got weird looks or laughed at. I could, however, talk to teachers and other adults just fine. I was very rule-oriented and didn't understand the concept of lying, not doing your homework, talking back to a teacher etc. So, when other students did this, I viewed them as lower than human. I thought they were awful people who either lived like animals or were flawed in some way. This is SO funny now when I think about it, because I thought that I was superior to them because I knew how to behave in school. But I never let them know this, because Aspie that I am - I was also painfully polite, too polite even so that I got taken advantage of quite a bit! I was one of those who fell for the old "oooh, I love your butterfly pencil, I wish I had one! Can I have yours? I'll be your best friend!". I gave away lots of things this way, haha. I even let people copy my homework too, thinking I was being "helpful and polite", and that they'd like me better because I was giving them something.
My teachers loved me, said I was a model student and told my mother how smart and polite I was, but inside I was so lonely and confused. I felt I was doing everything right, but still I just couldn't relate to kids my age. I would hear them talking about hanging out or going somewhere together, and I would wonder why I never was included, and didn't know how to approach them to even ASK them why....
So....I look back now and see everything as clear as day, and I really am so thankful that children, teachers, and parents have so much more support now and I applaud sites like this! If you're a student now, or the parent of a student on the spectrum, then reach out as much as you can, learn all you can, and most importantly - keep talking and being open about Autism. We'll all make a better world together!

I can relate so much! I remember my mom getting so angry because within the first week all of my pencils would be gone because I took pity of kids who forgot theirs and let them keep mine.

I can relate to this as well.
I didn't learn about Autism Spectrum Disorders and Asperger Syndrome until mid 2010.
Sadly it took a near complete meltdown before I was diagnosed.
I fell through the cracks due to my horrible up bringing and living in Michigan and Ohio were very little help exists for mental health and ASD.

Lmao, I can relate to everyone here. Socializing in school was never my thing. Course nowadays they'd throw you under the bus if you have autism.