Telling family and friends

I told close family, a couple of old work colleagues (who I've kept a good relationship with) and close friends.

No one in my family really believed it and I think still don't - apart from my daughters - they've been great and believed it without question. Couple of old work colleagues been great and understanding (but one of them has a daughter with Asperger's - which I didn't know until I told him that I was diagnosed with Asperger's).

I told 5 close friends (or who I at least considered close). None really engaged with me over it. I was hoping they would and that it might explain to them why I've been a bit distant at times, found social situations much more difficult than others, or maybe been seen as a bit weird at times.

I thought that my diagnosis might shine a light on past issues eg. not wanting to do big, social things - maybe rather than friends thinking I was awkward, unsociable or moody, they could see that while I was finding certain situations difficult, I was actually trying hard (and generally for them).

I have told all of my family and 6 old friends. Everyone I am close to. Their reactions have all been fine, one of my friends has an autistic son and another thinks that she might be autistic herself. I am undecided whether or not to 'out myself' more generally. On the one hand I find the idea of being an advocate for autism attractive, but on the other I think, will having lots of people know that I am autistic be useful to them or me?

I've told everyone who matters to me... immediate family, wifes family, close friends - I've explained the things that affect me. It's worked well for me... I'm pleased that my in-laws in particular really make an effort to accomodate me based on the things I told them are difficult for me.

I will probably tell more occasional contacts when we meet in person if I think they'll be receptive. I've also told some neighbors I trust.

I won't hide my Autism, but I am wary of telling random strangers since I don't want to be taken advantage of.

It may be helpful to explain how autism affects you personally, and explain some of the symptoms you experience, seeing as autism is a wide spectrum with many different symptoms so it may be helpful to those around you if you explain your experiences with it. For example when I told my school teacher, I explained how it affects my school performance and anything the teacher could do to help me and what they should do in certain situations. So lets say if you had sensory issues, it would be useful to point these out to your friends/family so that they are aware of it. You dont need to go in to too much detail with everyone if you dont want to, but it could be useful to have some points in your head that you can tell people about when you tell them you have autism