Published on 12, July, 2020
How did people react to you telling them you have autism?
For me personally my family were mostly accepting and happy for me. My dad wasn't very supportive, he's never liked me much, always thought I was fussy and didn't try hard enough in things I do. At school I used to have meltdowns because of how stressful it was and I struggled with processing but my dad said I was overreacting and attention seeking. He's never understood.
My grandparents weren't very supportive either, though my Gramps was unbelievably supportive and happy for me which did surprise me. Gramps is now my best friend, my rock, I know I can turn to him no matter what about absolutely anything. We are so close. He's more of a dad to me than my own dad is, sad but true.
When I was attempting work I decided to tell one of my colleagues that I have autism. Her reply "you don't look autistic..." After that day I found my mind constantly trying to figure out what autism actually looks like. Me, apparently.
Overall telling people of my diagnosis was well received but there have been a few people who didn't unfortunately understand, or didn't try to understand. Most people though were supportive and happy for me.
I've told very few people. I've been diagnosed rather late in life (age 62)
I've had reactions ranging from disbelief (no - not you?! I don't see that at all) to sympathy (oh no - I'm so sorry...- like I'm suddenly going to become a different person to the one I've always been!
Im still processing my diagnosis (7 months ago) Perhaps when I've got smart answers to those who don't believe me I will tell everyone!
Congrats on being diagnosed. It's such a big thing - hope you're doing ok now.
I've never understood the oh I'm so sorry comment lol. It makes it sound like it's a life threatening disease, which of course it clearly is not.
Neurotypicals have a very strange view of us for some reason.
That’s a conversation I’m not looking forward to in the future. There are a lot of people in my life that I know would either challenge the idea of it or not be interested.
Hope things work out for you all.