Published on 12, July, 2020
So my name is Charlie, Im from the UK near London and I am keen to speak with others who are in similar situations as me (because so called "normal" people dont have a clue about what its like day to day with Autism or Aspergers'!!) and because I can hopefully help others who are struggling in their lives or need support as well as getting help and advice from people on this forum, which might I add have struck me as highly intellegent individuals! I have thoroughly enjoyed browsing peoples comments on this site and reading about peoples experiences in life, its frustrating to hear certain people actually target people with AS which I read about today, but together we are stronger, thats how I have found that so called "normal" people operate, they speak always about whats bothering them or even making them happy.
So I thought I would sign up for an account on here and introduce myself because I have found this website extremely beneficial while browsing through it the past few days when I have been feeling frustrated in my own life and I believe that if people who has Autism and Aspergers' can speak to each other, help and relate to one and other on a site forum such as this one then that is an amazing thing. I myself know that a lot of so called "normal" people are inconsiderate of people with AS and I believe the best way to get them back is to form a community of AS people and say "were not alone!" because a lot of the time people with it are alone or dont have many friends and this leads to bullying and being singled out.
I thought I would just mention quickly incase anyone was wondering, I myself have Aspergers' and I have difficulty socialising and keeping up friendships, I will meet someone new and want them as a friend but lack the skills to go about having them as a friend and its really frustrating! I am fortunate enough that I am able to be on the end of the scale that others have mentioned which is the 'normal but a bit weird' end! everywhere I go I feel people look at me funny! I dont wear bright coloured clothing or go weeks without shaving or anything like that I just stand out possibly because I behave different to others without realising. I am mostly a very logical and serious person and I dont smile a lot, yet inside I feel like a fun and caring person, but I suppose because of the way I am I dont come across the way I really am!
Anyway before I bore you I will end what was ment to be just an introduction here!But I am very glad to have found this website and as soon as I can get a job I will be donating to this website because it is gold!!!
Recombinantsocks, I have looked into local support groups but unfortunately I would have to pay to use the services which I can't really afford I haven't read many books on Asperger's although I would like to. I've pretty much gone most of my life not truly understanding my condition. I had a name for it, sure, but never really understood it. Things are looking a bit clearer now though.
Charlie, I often used to get told the same thing by my managers in the jobs I've had. And I totally agree with you that walking around with a smile plastered on my face makes me feel like a nutter! I'm very much a "people watcher" in that I often observe NTs' behaviour and most people don't walk around with a smile on their face all day either! Sometimes it feels like people who are in any way different get picked on and called out unfairly.
I find it difficult to make friends too. I went through a variety of friendship groups at school, being slowly rejected by one group after another, and I came to realise that nearly everyone I have considered a "friend" after primary school I have met through other friends, if that makes sense. And like Outraged said, "friend" is defined very loosely by NTs. At school I'm sorry to say I modified my behaviour constantly to "fit in" with other people. It never really worked, and I'm a little ashamed for not just being me. It didn't help that I have ADHD and was quite badly behaved, too... I'm glad to hear that I'm not the only one out there who finds it difficult to make friends though.
I'll tell you what though, even if we find it hard to make friends IRL, at least we have each other on here. Like you said Char, together we are united!