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How many of us are there really?

Dawn

The NAS says one in 700,000 or 1% of the population. Of course they can only count the diagnosed.

Thinking about my work team: 2 of us diagnosed and 'loud and proud' about it, one we know, but he doesn't choose to say, one more with kids with a diagnosis and has self diagnosed...out of only 11 of us? 

Not one but two of my ex boyfriends, with whom I am still good friends, have self diagnosed - yup! I see that. Well, they say like attracts like; probably why I'm so fond of them.

We are definately a small minority. If we weren't the world would be catering to us better, but not so small as just 1%, I'm sure. Obviously, I picked my ex-boyfriends, but I didn't pick my colleagues however it turns out I like them. I only had a hand in recruiting one of them.

So, what do we think? How many of us are there really, do you think?

Parents

  •  Considering we are those that ‘think differently’ than the masses, I think we are huge in number. I mean in my family, 2 are self diagnosed, 2 are diagnosed, at least 8 are suspected (mostly now 50+)….I’ve told my ex he is Autistic. It was staring me in the face, and I only just realised. Explains why we got on so well. But also explains why he is so incredibly difficult and naive.

    At work, there are 1-2 diagnosed that I know of, and a handful I suspect and they don’t even realise. All the rest seem to have a sibling or child with Autism or ADHD….
    Actually, this should be a new question.  How many of you can seem to spot Autism or ADHD in others?

  • in reply to Catlover

    I can notice other autistic people before they even tell me, it just seems obvious and like an intuitive connection. My best friend is autistic and I knew from when I first met him. It is why we both get on so well.

  • in reply to Ausomely Autistic

    Yeah, I do sometimes think we are a magnet for eachother. Whether I can tell though might depend on how good their compensation strategies are in social situations. One colleague we could tell right off, he can't mask well and I don't think he realises that we like him as he is. I wish he'd just fess up sometimes, then we can go 'thank god for that, join the club'. 

    Another is really open about it but she is so good with people, you wouldn't guess how hard she's really working at that, until something triggers one of her anxieties. 

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  • in reply to Ausomely Autistic

    Yeah, I do sometimes think we are a magnet for eachother. Whether I can tell though might depend on how good their compensation strategies are in social situations. One colleague we could tell right off, he can't mask well and I don't think he realises that we like him as he is. I wish he'd just fess up sometimes, then we can go 'thank god for that, join the club'. 

    Another is really open about it but she is so good with people, you wouldn't guess how hard she's really working at that, until something triggers one of her anxieties. 

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