I have been recently diagnosed as autistic, and now I seem to see autism everywhere in my social circle. My brother, a daughter, at least two friends. . . Either there are a lot of undiagnosed autistic people out there OR I tend to become friends (more comfortable) with fellow autists, OR I am just being silly and am attributing autism to NT people with strong interests. Fellow neurodivergent folks of all types, what is your experience? (Edit: changed ND to NT. oops!)

  • Haui@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
    2·
    1 year ago

    That sounds like a pretty good strategy. What I don’t understand is the comfort thing. I grew up under the impression that we need to step out of our comfort zone. I pretty much lived outside of it all my life. From that perspective, maybe inside the comfort zone should be the norm and outside should be „a dare“. Sorry if I‘m rambling. I‘m trying to find my own place in the world as well. :) good luck in any case.

    • BOMBS@lemmy.worldMEnglish
      1·
      1 year ago

      I pretty much lived outside of it all my life.

      Same! So I was constantly burnt out, dissociated, or having melt downs. That’s probably why I was diagnosed with so many MH considtions, but the therapies weren’t really effective. They were treating the symptom (depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar), not the problem (over- and under- sensory stimulation). Part of what we’re working in therapy is to switch my perspective of life from something that I have to endure to something that I enjoy.

      Thank you!

      • Haui@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
        2·
        1 year ago

        I wish I was at the part of it where I actually enjoy my life. My father told me that so many times (while also being an abuser) that I can’t hear it anymore. I would be fine if everyone would just fuck off and leave me in peace. But apparently, thats not possible.

        So, as you see, much work in front of me still.

        • BOMBS@lemmy.worldMEnglish
          1·
          1 year ago

          I would be fine if everyone would just fuck off and leave me in peace.

          I’m sorry you’re in that situation. I’ve had people like that in my life, and the only solution that I could find was to completely cut them off, including blocking their phone number and email. I know you might not be able to or even comfortable with that, so it might help to speak to a professional that knows autism well on changes you can make to be more happy/less depressed.

          • Haui@discuss.tchncs.deEnglish
            2·
            1 year ago

            Thank you and don’t worry. I‘m not alone in that situation. It’s more a systemic problem that bothers me which I can’t „solve“ but need to work around. It’s the „easy answers“ that certain government employees seem to have that often kneecap me. But it’s getting better. Sorry if that upset you in any way.