Asperger's & Autism Forum

For some reason the idea that I might only recently occurred to me, so i did the usual and studied my behaviour, and my past.

I can now see that I go semi-verbal quite often. Shutdowns always cause it to an extent and so does exhaustion, and stress.

The only non-verbal episodes I remember were in play ground fights. They always started with a shouting match, that turned to insults and threats and then physical.

As soon as the threats started I stopped speaking, and literally could not have spoken.

Are any of you autistic males more comfortable in expressing more stereotypically girly? When I with the lads at college (All autistic or LD). We discuss things like Disney, Twilight and girly stuff in general and it's just normal. Where as most boys I speak to even if they like these things are really secretive about it.

My Mum thinks it's because its just a fact to them which I can see. I wonder if it's just because the lads at college feel safe there? Or is it like me and dolls? People have that much stuff to pick on them for that these things are the least of their problems.

Please define NT, how you see it.

The more I think about it, the more I am confused by the term. There are so many people i know who are NOT NT that I am beginning to wonder if NT is just the Unicorn.

I know "NT" means more than "normal." It is neuro functions....however, it seems only a few people are only in that phase and only for a little while and then pass out of it.

I am thinking first of all those who are NOT NT-(other than Spectrum People)

1. All patients with dementia, Alzheimers, and later life neurological illness. Since this will represent a huge number of all people (unless there is a cure), then most people will end as non NT.s
2. All those who minds are obscured with medications. Opioid epidemics, SSRIs , cancer meds, ADHD meds, alcohol, etc.....
3. Those with head injuries
4. Those with other brain diseases

These represent a huge number of people. So is NT just a phase? Is it like a transient state?

What makes one an NT?

1. Working does not make one an NT....

Many people always ask me how old I am. Even when first meeting me and think I'm younger than I am. I'm in my mid 30s and they can't believe that. I've always been very child like, shy and I'm nervous around my own age group because I fear what they'll say about me. Deep down I know I shouldn't worry so much but it still does bug me. Whenever I'm not around I've had friends make fun of me and talk behind my back so it takes awhile before I can trust people.

Love stuffed animals, toys, video games, Spiderman, anime, manga and hello kitty. These things I loved over the past few years and give me comfort. I've noticed this and was wondering if anyone relates?

I'm tired of others judging me but I know this is beyond my control.

I cannot get this thought out of my head: the stereo-types of Asperger's and autism alike are associated with, in general, being literal thinkers, and being poor at understanding metaphors and similes. But metaphors and similes are my strong-suit, one of my greatest strengths. In my mind, almost everything has a metaphor. I can see the literal meanings, but I also see the possible metaphors that could go with them. Granted, I don't have very many Asperger's traits, but I also show traits that are contrary to NT. So, I'm really curious. Is there anyone on the spectrum out there who excels at metaphors and similes, and doesn't take many things literally? If there are, what kind of metaphors have you seen in your mind's eye?

Has anyone else experimented with substances before? I don't these days but I definitely used to.
1. I was definitely self medicating trying to tweak my brain to function properly being undiagnosed and unaware of what my problem was.
2. one obsession I definitely have had is substances. Their effects, potentials, interactions, pharmacological make up, how they interact with the brain and neurotransmitters, harm reduction etc.

Funny enough, I used to go to a lot of music festivals and help with the harm reduction and also enjoy myself (although, strictly with only a couple of closer friends, and never for long because I couldn't handle the sensory overload without also having my safe comfortable space). It's amazing how much easier it was to be in social situations for me on certain substances. I've always known that I was low in dopamine because of my experimentation and it's funny that now I am substance free but on a regular dosage of dexedrine (amphetamine/speed) from the...

I'm wondering if it is just me or an Autism thing. I find learning languages very difficult.

It might be that the conversation "This pen is blue" or introductions and conversation seem pointless. Or perhaps it is overcoming the social phobias to practice the phrases I learn. Maybe I can't get my head around different grammar construction.

Or maybe it is a result of being English. Our default is to speak very loudly and slowly and hope someone comes along to help us out.

The net result is that I tried to learn languages but end up abandoning or forgetting everything.

I was walking with my dog tonight, as we walked near a baseball field filled with kids I remembered something about my youth.

Many of my peers told me I was “stuck up”, I never understood what they meant though now I recognize that I was not interacting with others in the same way they interacted with others.

I remember I wanted friends, but I just never had them.

I’m sure everyone has many realizations as we better understand AS.

I've been reading lots of stuff that describe the Las Vegas shooter as someone who was socially isolated, unable to fit in, unconnected, socially inept etc.

I personally think he likely had anti-social personality disorder, but I'm really dreading the "creative" investigate journalist who will invariably suggesting that possibly he was autistic.

I really hope it doesn't happen but it wouldn't surprise me.

Can anyone on here clarify what mind blindness is? I understand the "opposite of empathy" definition but i'm having trouble coming up with real life situations or when i'm exibiting it. Like if I walk down the street and see a girl crying i'm aware she is upset. So what gives? Haha.