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To what extent do you feel people care when you tell them you have ASD?

pietro_21

What I mean is that I have had quite mixed responses. In different contexts. I am not sure to the general public pupoluation whether it means much the same, or as it did to me before I knew I was autistic. By 'care' I mean when people genuinely seem to want to understand how that is, feels, or try to empathise with you.

I'm not sure what kind of resonse I am looking for when I tell people. Or if I should expect anything at all.It seems like public understanding is a massive issue, or the ways autism is understood varies greatly from person to person. 

Sorry if this is triggering to anyone. I am interested to know this not so much of your experience of telling close family members, more outer circles and aquaintances.

I may rephrase this question. But keep a record of the original in the description.

Parents

  • For me so far (just 2 months after diagnosis) it is a matter of masking of not masking. With people I would like to reduce masking with, it is important they know because my behaviour may change to one extent or another as I stop trying to be NT. With most people I will maintain my mask, so I would not be telling them — unless there is some overriding need. 

    So far, I have only told one couple who are close friends, and one other person. Both have taken the time to ask me questions to help them understand. They have also accepted it without change towards me. I take this as a positive. I know I am a bit more relaxed with them and feel I can lower my mask a bit. 

  • in reply to Old_Guy

    Congratulations on your diagnosis. I actually spend quite a lot of time defending neurodiverse people, less telling people, so maybe that is coming out of myself in some ways.

  • in reply to pietro_21

    The difficult thing for me is that my wife who initially suggested I might be autistic, and who says she is pleased for me that I have a diagnosis, does not/cannot understand what it means for me and how my autistic brain deals with intimate relationships. 

  • in reply to pietro_21

    As with so many situations, it is more complicated than a sentence in a forum post can describe. I believe the issue is my wife tried to change things about me, but the diagnosis showed that many of these things will never change because they are part of being autistic. Hence, she rejects understanding, saying that is not her fault I have a problem! 

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  • in reply to pietro_21

    As with so many situations, it is more complicated than a sentence in a forum post can describe. I believe the issue is my wife tried to change things about me, but the diagnosis showed that many of these things will never change because they are part of being autistic. Hence, she rejects understanding, saying that is not her fault I have a problem! 

Children
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