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.
Don't worry, not all autistic people fit the archetype. It's a good idea to talk to different people on the spectrum, like on this forum. And watch some autistic youtubers. You might only identify with one or two other autistic people, because the characteristics are very varied. (btw you're welcome on this forum even if you're not 100% sure you accept the diagnosis.)
I think this is very true and im glad you have said this. While I've identified with many things different autistic people have said, there has never been one who I've thought "that's 100% like me".
Thanks both; I actually did just start watching some autistic YouTube and was finding exactly this. I guess when you start reading up about it you understand objectively there is a great spectrum of people and ways of being, but you don't really know it until you read or see autistic individuals, and their individual experiences and behaviours. A great kaleidoscope.
Yes I like both too.
I find I identify most with Yo Samdy Sam, and some things that Aspergers from the Inside says. I don't share all of the same experiences but it's quite fun to listen to someone who thinks along the same lines as yourself.