Published on 12, July, 2020
Is this an autistic trait?
Yes.
Those who know me for long time, say that I’m not changing over years. Those who just get to know my actual age get shocked and I always hear that I look younger. When I was 18 I heard, that I look like 12-13 lol. There was even one situation with a man not wanting to date me because he was sure that I wasn’t adult. I still have no wrinkles but I have a bit of gray strands. Maybe it’s also my look, I’m natural, I hate having make up and jewellery (probably sensory issues), they irritate me a lot and cause me tics, rash and other skin problems. I wear simple comfy clothes, often sporty style. So maybe that’s why around 18- 20 year olds approach me “hey babe, do you have a cigarette” I’m in my middle thirties, he could be my son actually.
I’ve often wondered how much is biological and how much is behavioural.
I’m 52, have no wrinkles, still have a full head of fully blonde hair and have no middle-aged spread. But I still dress younger - haven’t succumbed to slacks yet.
i doubt it's a trait, more like a common experience. I am non-binary, but genetically female, 45 and 5ft4 tall. I have no wrinkles, natural hair with no grey, and generally wear jeans,tshirt, shades and a cap. From the way I carry myself, the clothes I wear, the language I use I am seen by the casual passerby as a possibly 18-25yo male and am carded for alcohol/tobacco regularly. People who get to know me generally think I'm around 35. I look younger than my sister who is actually 2 yrs my junior, but she had kids so that might explain it!
It's a shame my bones don't feel like I'm 25 I can tell you!
Yes, I am frequently told that I look 10 years younger---less wrinkles I would suppose?
Oh yes, most certainly I do. I haven't changed since the day I was born... Well that's not quite true, I'm 6ft 4 now, can talk, walk and no longer get away with being pushed in my pram. But other than that I haven't changed a bit.
I had de ja vu so I went looking for the reason why, found this thread https://community.autism.org.uk/f/introduce-yourself/29891/does-anyone-else-look-younger-than-their-age-i-m-24-and-people-constantly-wrongly-assume-my-age-and-won-t-serve-me-in-shops-_ it seems to be a topic that crops up a lot.
At 36 I've started shaving my hairline back at the temples to try to look more like an adult. My grandad still had a full head of black hair when he died in his 80s so I don't think I can rely on nature to help me out with this one
People tell me I have a young face, but I started losing my hair at 15, was basically bald by 22, and hair loss immediately makes people think you’re older then you are.
Nope. I'm in my 20s and stopped getting ID'd last year - EXCEPT when I wear plaits in my hair. Then I get ID'd everywhere (sigh). It is funny though watching the change in behaviour
Yeah.. Autism, more like, Ambrosia-tism.. heh..
Beware generalisations especially when you feel unkind, they often land your foot in it.
A few days ago I got asked for ID from a cashier who thought I looked 19, but really I'm closer to twice that age.I think it's mild Ehlers tbh.
Yes, people have always given me at least 5 to 10 years less than I have.
We are the fountain of youth ^^
I hope I stay young looking forever :-)
Yes, I’m 28 and the shop clerk often ‘Check 25’ me for 16+ health drinks, it’s not a trait but it is a co-occurrence for sure.. it’s not stated so simply in literature though..
Robert, are you possibly - The exception that proves the rule...???
Yes, people are generally amazed when they find out my age. One of the few benefits of autism I suppose.
Hi , that we can focus on tasks a lot of us who have special interests such as computer programming, music, etc. that is what I meant.
Some more observations on the subject from an earlier thread:
https://community.autism.org.uk/f/adults-on-the-autistic-spectrum/31821/do-you-look-younger-than-your-age