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Invisible to each other

Deleted User

Is anyone else troubled over the fact that most of us mask to the point of being invisible to each other?  If I met another autistic person in real life I wouldn't know until they said so.  In protecting ourselves we've also cut ourselves off from each other, I feel.

  • I don't think we are invisible.  I think we are isolated.  

    I said on another post (yesterday) that I went to town and saw maybe three Autistic people.  I don't KNOW they were, but I bet they were.  The mannerisms, the way they walked, the pace, the gait.   Everyone was meandering about slowly yet these had purpose and didn't really want to be out any longer than necessary.   To me, they stuck out. 

    However, I think you are actually asking about isolation & social exclusion

    You don't normally get to form friendships from bumping into people in the street, but I suppose it happens

    I don't necessarily think it is a means of protecting yourself - although that can be a factor - it is also about what comes naturally.  NT people seem to find it easier to socialise.  

    I've sat in social situations and absolutely hated it, but forced myself because I feared I'd be missing out.  On the other hand I've decided not to go and sat home & stressed because I didn't attend things.  It's a dilemma.  

    There probably does need to be more activities for ASD people to mix - on their terms - and there are, in places, but these things only work if they are attended.  They tend to be volunteer led and quickly fold if few people turn up.

    There's even things such as 'Autistic dating' and the like.  I can't recommend, I've not tried, but its certainly out there.

    The other thing I could say is to try and engage with groups and activities that aren't necessarily ASD-focused.  Perhaps your interests are the same as others with Autism anyway.  Perhaps you could meet people that way.   Also, not everyone that is NT is automatically a no-go area, some are approachable and amenable.