I used to think I didn't really script. Now I realize that's pretty much all I do, every moment. Not just one script but many possibilities.
I think that's why I have such trouble in group conversations. By the time I choose the exact right words the conversation has already moved along. That also means I stay silent in most group conversations because what I want to say lags what I'm hearing.
@darrellpf@actuallyautistic
I think the reason I struggled to recognise that I scripted, beyond the obvious prep for important meetings, was because over the years I'd built up such a flexible pallet of options. They give me a sense of versatility that concealed the fact that they were all created scripts at one point.
@darrellpf@actuallyautistic
In terms of social interactions very possibly. We tend to have to process quite a bit in terms of working out implied as well as explicit meanings and the potential responses, whether pre-scripted or not, that are required.
In other areas we tend to be bottom up thinkers. Building understanding from the elements, rather than assuming implied understanding from the whole. This means we take longer, but generally also means that we will tend to have a much deeper and complete understanding once we get there.
@actuallyautistic#actuallyautistic Anyone ever tell you that you were being "too negative" or a "Debby downer" when stating facts about something? Just happened to me earlier with my family. In this case it was reasons why I prefer not to travel often (routine change haha). The whole time I was thinking, "but I'm not trying to be negative..."
@chevalier26@actuallyautistic
Most people will never understand our need to be alone, let alone the sheer joy and satisfaction it brings.
God know's why. But, unfortunately, it's on a par with their inability to understand anything that is too different from what they expect.
Just saw an interesting post by someone missing the simplicity of their childhood. I know that most people wear rose coloured glasses when they’re feeling nostalgic, but I wonder how many autistic people read such posts & think, “No way!”?
I had lots of fun & interesting times during my childhood & adolescence, but there was also so much complexity, confusion & distress. Learning to mask made it easier. I could at least pretend to understand what was going on & therefore attract less negative attention. @actuallyautistic
@Susan60@actuallyautistic
It's on par with "school days are the happiest days of your life." People always kept saying that when I was in school and I never understood it. Why would you want to think that the rest of your life was going to be inevitably less? And why would you want to go back now, to when you were less?
I didn't go to my uni graduation. I didn't see the point. I particularly didn't see the point in spending what amounted to half a day's pay on minimum wage to hire a hat & gown for the day.
Now I'm wondering if part of it was the #ActuallyAutistic urge to not be perceived? I dunno. I have no problem being on stage, or public speaking if I have a script. But the whole marching across stage, recieving some paper, shaking hands, being ME, all while being watched and photographed?
@Aerliss
I had to be dragged kicking and screaming to mine. I didn't see the point of it either and went mostly to please my parents, who I strongly suspect didn't think I could do it and were therefore as proud as punch.
It may be that this is connected to monotropic thought patterns. To our minds we have finished when we passed, therefore it's time to move on and our brains have already switched away from it.
What are your thoughts on self-diagnosis being belittled by many in the autistic community?
For clarity, I’m not asking to start a debate, just a genuine discussion. I currently don’t have the option to get a diagnosis, but feel fairly confident that the research I’ve done over the past year and a half has been legitimate and credible.
I don’t feel comfortable saying that I am definitively autistic, but I am ok with saying I’m “self-suspecting.” #actuallyautistic@actuallyautistic
@chevalier26@darrellpf@janetlogan@actuallyautistic
Sometimes, for those of us with a fairly limited understanding of what autism is to start with anyway, finally beginning to see it takes a somewhat indirect route. It's as often as not seeing it in the edges, before we can see the core.
@chevalier26@darrellpf@janetlogan@actuallyautistic
My family, who basically blanked my declaration of being autistic, were also the same family who realised very, very early on, that my difference meant that I was never going to marry or have children. I'm not entirely sure what their thinking was to accept one but not the other, but there you go. (Also seeing as they are all dead now, slightly mute.) Families can be strange that way.
Is there a term in the autistic world for "outing" someone? In the gay world we have often very accurate "gaydar".
I was watching a mom and son on a television show. On one hand I want to talk about them and their interaction, but on the other hand I don't feel right about "diagnosing" them, particularly in a public way.
@felyashono@darrellpf@actuallyautistic
In terms of fictional characters and tv or film representation, I feel that it is fair. But, for real people, I agree totally. The unfortunate truth is, that it isn't always safe for people to be "outed" as either as gay or neurodivergent. Plus, both require a degree of self-awareness that they may not be ready for.