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Hello.

I've researched various articles about autism over the net and while all of them were informative, there was always one point I missed: "What do people outside of the autistic spectrum think of autistic people?"

I'm hoping to get opinions here.

Given that I'm opening this thread I'd like to establish some rules (and answer some genral questions) - in questions and answers form:

0 Q: What if I don't want to talk about autism?

A: Feel free to ignore this thread and have a nice day. :)

1 Q: Are negative opinions allowed?

A: Of course!
You are entitled to whatever your opinion might be, just refrain from being outright hostile and/or insulting.

I know this isn't a direct example and more of an analogy, but it's the best I can think of at the moment.

Bad: "Whites are just oppressive motherf... *insult censoring beep*!"

Good: "I dislike white people because they oppress people of other races."

In the good example an opinion is expressed and explained, while the bad one is basically name calling.

What I'm looking for is a constructive discussion, not a toxic thread.
If all you want to do is vent out rage, look for another thread.

P.S. Sorry about resorting to racism, but it's easier to illustrate the point with such clear-cut examples and obviously those are just examples and not my actual opinion.

2 Q: It sounded like you only want to hear from people outside of the spectrum. What if I'm in the spectrum?

A: I knew I couldn't be the only one, yay. :D
Ahem, anyone's free to join the discussion regardless of being in the spectrum or not.

3 Q: Are you autistic?

A: Yes, unless Asperger's syndrome was removed from the spectrum when I wasn't looking. ;)
However, I won't judge anyone's answer because of it.

4 Q: Do we have to share our personal experience?

A: Not if you don't to.
If that's the case, make sure plainly state it so I'll know to keep my curiosity at bay.

5 Q: Em, I don't really know much about autism. May I ask about it or what's it like for you?

A: By all means, please do. :)

I don't have a problem talking about my experience and I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have (though I'm by no means an expert on the topic).

Just keep in mind autism is a spectrum and varies from individual to individual (what applies to me outside of some general things might not apply to someone else on the spectrum) and not everyone might want to talk about it.

Anyway, Wikipedia should be a good starting point for a general idea.
Link: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Autism

For a short version, check out the Autism piece of the Real Monsters art series by Toby Allen (AKA ZestyDoesThings).
Link: http://www.zestydoesthings.com/realmonsters/image/16

I know of a great deal of other material, but I don't want to bury the first post in links.
If you want more research material feel free to ask. :)

6 Q: Are autism and Asperger's syndrome the same?

A: No, Asperger's syndrome is a type of autism near the beginning of the spectrum, a "lighter" form of it to put it simply.

7 Q: Should I call you an "aspie/aspy"?

A: I know some with Asperger's syndrome like that term, but I personally dislike so please don't address me with it.

8 Q: If there were a "cure" for your condition, would you want it?

A: NO!

First: autism is a lifelong condition so it can't just be removed or "cured", however, autistic people can learn to "blend in" to a point.

Second: keep in mind a lot of people (including me) consider autism to be a part of their identity similarly to how someone might consider their religion or nationality to be a part of them.

While my condition makes me more likely to come across as strange or awkward in social interactions I consider it to be an asset rather than a curse.

9. Q: Can you recognise retorical questions?

A: While it's not impossible for me to spot one, I'd appreciate that you make it known you're not actually looking for an answer.
In general reading between the lines has never been my strong suit. XD

10 Q: Why are you making this thread?

A: Just because I'm curious.
There's no agenda behind it, though if I manage to slay some stereotypes while I'm at it that'd be awesome. ;)

A word of warning: I tend to dig deep when my curiosity is aroused if I'm overdoing it, tell me and I'll do my best to stop.

That should cover it. If the QA section is missing something, tell me and I'll add it.

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*sighs* I was naive to hope it wouldn't happen.
However it did, so I'm adding another rule - in imperative form this time.

Don't downvote people over anything in this topic!

If you disagree, talk it over with arguments, but do everything you can not to turn it into a fight.

Like I said before, what I'm looking for is a disscussion not a toxic thread.
Post edited September 27, 2018 by Wolfy777
Why? This seems extremely random imo.
I've researched various articles about autism over the net and while all of them were informative, there was always one point I missed: "What do people outside of the autistic spectrum think of autistic people?"
Kinda strange since most of the time these articles are written by people who aren't autistic
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--.--: Why? This seems extremely random imo.
If you mean the whole thread, it probably is somewhat of of the blue.

Not quite sure to what part the "why" is connected.

I've researched various articles about autism over the net and while all of them were informative, there was always one point I missed: "What do people outside of the autistic spectrum think of autistic people?"
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Pheace: Kinda strange since most of the time these articles are written by people who aren't autistic
Hm, never considered it that way.
I think I checked official sites rather than any general forums though.
Post edited September 26, 2018 by Wolfy777
I was born that way.

I did not ask to be born with a damaged brain but it sure has formed my personality and in some ways not necessarily in a bad way but it sure made me different from others.
I think people with autism are a waste of oxygen.

No just kidding, I have autism myself, well maybe not but 2 october I get to hear if it's official or not.
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Strijkbout: I think people with autism are a waste of oxygen.

No just kidding, I have autism myself, well maybe not but 2 october I get to hear if it's official or not.
Ignore the doctors advice and just tell everyone you have 'unofficial' autism. Works for 90% of mental patients.
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Themken: I was born that way.

I did not ask to be born with a damaged brain but it sure has formed my personality and in some ways not necessarily in a bad way but it sure made me different from others.
I'd replace "damaged" with "diffrently wired". :)

Unlike you I got my diagnose fairly late towards the end of high school.

I know people genrally hate lables, but for me it was liberating.

I finally had one word that said so much about me. :D
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Wolfy777:
Alright, let us call it differently wired :-) Makes some things easier in life and others harder.

Ah it sure felt like I was 10kg lighter when I was diagnosed. Knowing what was wrong, I could arrange things and learn things to make life easier.
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Strijkbout: I think people with autism are a waste of oxygen.

No just kidding, I have autism myself, well maybe not but 2 october I get to hear if it's official or not.
Joke succesfully detected. :P

May I ask how do you feel about potencially being autistic?

If you'd prefer not to talk about it, you can just tell me it's none of my buisness.

P.S. My spelling isn't the best out there. XD
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Wolfy777:
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Themken: Alright, let us call it differently wired :-) Makes some things easier in life and others harder.

Ah it sure felt like I was 10kg lighter when I was diagnosed. Knowing what was wrong, I could arrange things and learn things to make life easier.
Sorry if it was confusing. My main point was diffrent =/= lees or damaged.

I can imagine.

I still rember how I'd rellay on my dad to explain what I felt and why when I was small.
I'd explain the "symphoms" and he'd tell me what that feeling was.

Or we disscus people's responses that were confusing for me (for hours if the need arose XD ).

I'll always be grateful to him for being patient and explaining things to me to the depth I demanded (he got used to fetching a dictionary for help) and taking the time to explain social rules and expectations to me. :)
Post edited September 26, 2018 by Wolfy777
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Strijkbout: I think people with autism are a waste of oxygen.

No just kidding, I have autism myself, well maybe not but 2 october I get to hear if it's official or not.
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Wolfy777: Joke succesfully detected. :P

May I ask how do you feel about potencially being autistic?

If you'd prefer not to talk about it, you can just tell me it's none of my buisness.

P.S. My spelling isn't the best out there. XD
Yes you may ask. :)
For a little background information: I am in my mid forties and only a few years back it was hinted at that I could have autism (read: sit somewhere in the autistic spectrum) so I'd have me checked.
As for what it did to me? It really made my life a hell, I've never had meaningful relationships and live my life as a loner and don't get anywhere with my life.
If it's autism, well that would explain a lot, if it's not then I'm probably just an ordinary asshole. :D
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Wolfy777: Joke succesfully detected. :P

May I ask how do you feel about potencially being autistic?

If you'd prefer not to talk about it, you can just tell me it's none of my buisness.

P.S. My spelling isn't the best out there. XD
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Strijkbout: Yes you may ask. :)
For a little background information: I am in my mid forties and only a few years back it was hinted at that I could have autism (read: sit somewhere in the autistic spectrum) so I'd have me checked.
As for what it did to me? It really made my life a hell, I've never had meaningful relationships and live my life as a loner and don't get anywhere with my life.
If it's autism, well that would explain a lot, if it's not then I'm probably just an ordinary asshole. :D
It's posts like these that make you smile and want to hug someone at the same time.

P.S. Come on, I'm sure you have some redeeming qualities. ;)
Autism or not you shouldn't judge your life on the achievements of others, everyone is born different and if you're happy that should be what maters the most. You shouldn't concentrate if you have autism or not but rather how to improve your self and make your self happy because when it comes down to it if you made yourself "acceptable" socially at your expense then you will become depressed. Which has happened to lots of people in the past few generations with the rise of social media.
Post edited September 26, 2018 by --.--
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Strijkbout: Yes you may ask. :)
For a little background information: I am in my mid forties and only a few years back it was hinted at that I could have autism (read: sit somewhere in the autistic spectrum) so I'd have me checked.
As for what it did to me? It really made my life a hell, I've never had meaningful relationships and live my life as a loner and don't get anywhere with my life.
If it's autism, well that would explain a lot, if it's not then I'm probably just an ordinary asshole. :D
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Wolfy777: It's posts like these that make you smile and want to hug someone at the same time.

P.S. Come on, I'm sure you have some redeeming qualities. ;)
Haha, thanks, I hope so.
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--.--: Autism or not you shouldn't judge your life on the achievements of others, everyone is born different and if you're happy that should be what maters the most. You shouldn't concentrate if you have autism or not but rather how to improve your self and make your self happy because when it comes down to it if you made yourself "acceptable" socially at your expense then you will become depressed. Which has happened to lots of people in the past few generations with the rise of social media.
Wise words, but it takes a great deal of courage to be yourself 100% of the time.