Published on 12, July, 2020
Hey all, hope this is okay to post.
I’ve recently started to realise I may have autism - I originally thought it was ADHD but when I started looking at the crossover I realise that autism might be playing a role too!
I was just wondering what were the signs that originally made you realise you have/might have autism? Especially if you were diagnosed as an adult rather than as a child.
And a follow on question - looking back what did you do as a child that was likely due to autism? I want to get tested but seeing other peoples experiences I’m worried about the process - my memory is so rubbish I’m worried they’ll think I’m just wasting their time.
Thanks in advance!
I always knew I was different. I was happy on my own, hated change and found / find social activities painful. Back in the late 60's / 70's you simply learnt to camouflage very quickly. Even last week I was called "Odd" to my face, Ive no understanding why they did, but its like a red hot blade in the chest that lingers. As the line in the Joker movie says;
"I thought my life was a tragedy, but now I realise it was one big comedy!" (To everyone but me)
Oh yes. I've been called weird, strange, odd, funny (as in peculiar) all my life. For no reason I can see. I'm just having a normal conversation with someone, then they say 'you're weird/ strange/ odd/ funny'. I've no idea why so I just stare at them.
Oh gosh I am right with you there! I am honest, and people don't like it.
Did you watch that episode of Friends where Ross moves into an apartment and the other inhabitants try and get him to pay for a leaving present for a maintenance man he's never met? I so identified with that.
Not long ago, I was visiting a clients office when a couple of the staff said they were having a leaving collection. The person leaving was nothing but a pain in the ***, rude and unhelpful.
So I said, “No, I didn’t like her, but I wish her well in her new career.”
SILENCE… Why was it so awkward to be honest? Why would I give money to someone (who’s an arsehole) because they’re leaving?
Strange world.