Published on 12, July, 2020
I hate introductions. Or more precisely I dislike having to describe myself. My sense of self is not strong. Hello NAS forum. I have lurked for a few days, but making an effort to join in because I need to start understanding myself through the lens of autism. I was diagnosed (in my mid-thirties) in 2020 after a very long journey through various assessments to find an explanation for cognitive and social issues I had been having. I don't know (or don't know that I know) any autistic people, and I think I need to have contact with the like-minded.I am still not 100% comfortable regarding myself as autistic. This isn't an issue with stigma, but instead because I am not always sure I fit the profile. I have a variety of issues, some of which are explained readily by autism, but in other instances I seem very atypical. I worry that when I access resources, or tap into support for autism, that I will take resources from people who need it more. Or perhaps, if such a thing could exist, have imposter syndrome surrounding being autistic. A lot of this stems from the key issue that affects me day-to-day; my memory. I have information recall problems, and was first diagnosed and then undiagnosed with ADHD (long story) in a search to figure out that particular issue with my brain. So far, the lens of autism has not given me insight into this issue, but it hasn't been long since my diagnosis so we'll see.Here's a non-exhaustive list of hobbies/interests of mine:Star Trek, Stargate, and science fiction in general. Games of all sorts: Video Games, Board Games, Megagames, Tabletop Roleplaying Games (I am also a fan of Critical Role), and miniatures/models. Art (particularly related to games of all sorts) including 3D sculpting (ZBrush) and illustration. And some other things about me:I'm a gay cisgendered man (pronouns he/him), currently in a long term relationship, in my mid thirties, and I work as a Product Designer in web software (until two years ago before which I was a QA Engineer).
Forming habits is hard for me, and when I've signed up to forums in the past it hasn't lasted, but I will make special effort here. I hope to be able to stay around long enough to contribute more than I receive.If you got this far, thanks for reading.
Welcome to the forum. Wondering if you're a Red Dwarf, Star Wars or Alien quadrology fan? Because you mention Scifi. I am Autistic and we love to talk about our interests,
Thank you for the welcome. As for your question: all of the above, for sure. Red Dwarf is a wonderful comfort watch- great sci-fi concepts wrapped in humour, with a hefty chunk of nostalgia too.
I get periodically hyperfixated on Alien, which was especially true just before the pandemic when the Alien TTRPG was released, meaning it sat at an intersection of interests.I proceeded to buy novelisations of the movies, and various technical and design materials associated with it, and for a couple of months it was the only thing for me
Star Wars is more of a constant companion. I'm rarely obsessed, but I do love it (actually, it is also a TTRPG so I have my eyes on that .. rather predictably). I recently realised I have started to associate the intro theme to The Mandalorian with christmas, due to when I last binge watched it.
Are these some of your favourites then?
Red Dwarf is very nostalgic for me. I used to watch it when I was a kid, sitting on my brother's lap, and I liked it even though I didn't understand any of the jokes then
Second one is right up there. I've enjoyed everything i've seen though
Did someone mention Alien?
That is an absolute classic, I've watched several of the sequels and prequels, but none have the impact of that first one.
I saw a exhibition of Giger's art at a venue in Vienna, stomach turning in many places, bleak, yet possessing it's own beauty.
I like all three of those things yeah. Red Dwarf series 4 is particularly good. Star Wars i like the original trilogy only and the odd book. And i collected loads of toys as a little kid.Alien is epic. What did you think to the recent prequels?