Skip to main content
Close Button
Donate
  • Replies 35 replies
  • Subscribers 106 subscribers
  • Views 7423 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Related
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

If Autism could be cured, would you?

Lupus
over 5 years ago

I think it's an interesting question to ask, if a cure for Autism were ever created, would you cure yourself?

It's hard for me to decide on whether or not I would cure myself, because there are positives and negatives of having Autism in my opinion.

Positives of my Autism:

  • Idiosyncratic interests have led to me being very successful in certain areas.
  • Less likely to give in to peer-pressure because I really don't care about what others think in those terms.
  • Having a rigid thinking pattern and being well organised makes life easier (IMO).
  • My honesty is appreciated by some people.

Negatives of my Autism:

  • My face not reflecting how I really feel, so constantly being told that I have "resting-*****-face".
  • Getting uncontrollably stressed and anxious over things that I know are stupid.
  • Sensitivity to light and sound.
  • Finding it difficult to find and maintain friendships.
  • My honesty is not appreciated by most people.
  • Laughing at things that most people don't find funny and looking like an idiot.

If my Autism disappeared, I wonder if my personality would completely change.. and if that would be for the better? If I had to give an answer right here right now, I would probably say no to a cure simply because I think I would become unrecognisable personality wise. 

Parents
  • over 5 years ago

    It sounds like you're saying "If you could become neurotypical, would you?"

    - If I lost all the attributes I ascribe to being autistic, good and bad then 'probably not' (though that depends on what kind of an autie-day I'm having) as I'd lose too much 'awesome'

    - If I only lost the negative attributes I ascribe to being autistic then 'yes, in a heartbeat' as I would be 'even more awesome'

    Better to ask if there was a virus you could release that would make NTs actually 'a bit autistic' (like they often claim to be), would you?

    Yes I bloody well would!

  • over 5 years ago in reply to Original Prankster

    Am I missing something here or do people here genuinely seem to believe that Autism isn't a disease/disorder and just put it down to being "neurologically diverse"?

  • over 5 years ago in reply to Lupus

    I have huge social deficiencies - but huge technical capabilities - I can choose to limit my social stress and play that game on my own terms - conversely, my technical abilities meant I was always in demand to do very niche, well-paid jobs where I could excel.     The money I earned meant I could indulge my hobbies and do 'nice' things in my spare time.

    I think a lot of people with autism don't 'know' themselves so they end up in careers that do not suit them or play to their own strengths - I imagine this would be my idea of hell - doing sales or dealing with people etc. or some other stress job dealing with NTs.

  • over 5 years ago in reply to Plastic

    I can relate to this. People who meet me for the first time think I'm witty, funny, clever and fun to be with. And I am...........for the half an hour that I chose to spend charming you. I don't want more than that and if you show up at my door in a few days time, all smiley and friendly, thinking I'll be the same, you'll see the side of me that has lost me friends and family. I could have had a brilliant 'career' as a mistress, just being funny and amusing for a couple of hours a week. Could I be in an office or deal with customers on a daily basis? Judging from my many short lived jobs, no I couldn't.
    Masking takes a lot of effort and I can't do it long term or daily without eventually blowing a gasket, usually because people see that I'm easily riled, so they play the "let's see if we can wind her up" game, then act hurt and surprised when I flip, start to swear and cry and throw things and physically attack them if they're daft enough to actually lay hands on me. I don't like to be touched by anyone, even on a good day, trying to pull me or push me when I'm mid flip out is stupid and dangerous (hence been arrested several times in my life for assault too). 
     .

Reply
  • over 5 years ago in reply to Plastic

    I can relate to this. People who meet me for the first time think I'm witty, funny, clever and fun to be with. And I am...........for the half an hour that I chose to spend charming you. I don't want more than that and if you show up at my door in a few days time, all smiley and friendly, thinking I'll be the same, you'll see the side of me that has lost me friends and family. I could have had a brilliant 'career' as a mistress, just being funny and amusing for a couple of hours a week. Could I be in an office or deal with customers on a daily basis? Judging from my many short lived jobs, no I couldn't.
    Masking takes a lot of effort and I can't do it long term or daily without eventually blowing a gasket, usually because people see that I'm easily riled, so they play the "let's see if we can wind her up" game, then act hurt and surprised when I flip, start to swear and cry and throw things and physically attack them if they're daft enough to actually lay hands on me. I don't like to be touched by anyone, even on a good day, trying to pull me or push me when I'm mid flip out is stupid and dangerous (hence been arrested several times in my life for assault too). 
     .

Children
No Data