It All Makes More Sense Now

[Gig3]

Even before the diagnosis confirming my placement on the spectrum last year I was reasonably sure that I was ASD. However, a complicating factor is that I suffered Encephalitis as a child. This can also account for social, sensory, and a whole host of other unfortunate circumstances- Encephalitis rarely improves one's ability to function. In any case I'm on the spectrum and, according to the psychologist who tested me, demonstrate a diminished ability to use the right side of my brain. Someone recently posted here about studying languages in other countries- I did this as well and found the same uncomfortable truth that my functioning was no better there than here. While I enjoy my life in many ways, there are many annoyances that appear to be typical of those with ASD. I try to balance things by taking long solo walks in nature. In general I realize that I'm not in the mainstream and look forward to sharing stories and ideas with others. I know we're all unique, but I'm sure many of us can relate to common issues.

 

[Gritches]

I forget who said it, but someone here pointed out once that if you're weird in your own country, you're just weird; but if you're weird in a foreign country, the people there just assume you're weird because you're a foreigner. Makes me want to learn a new language and move to a new country.

And you hit it on the head, we're all unique but yet we share so many common issues. It's what fascinates me most about Aspies; we're so different even from one another but we're all the same not because we're facsimiles of one another but because we're all the same way, in one way or another.

Hope to see you posting around, we could really use more new people here

 

[Streetwise]

welcome

 

[Progster]

Someone recently posted here about studying languages in other countries- I did this as well and found the same uncomfortable truth that my functioning was no better there than here.

I forget who said it, but someone here pointed out once that if you're weird in your own country, you're just weird; but if you're weird in a foreign country, the people there just assume you're weird because you're a foreigner. Makes me want to learn a new language and move to a new country.

That was probably me who said both of these things.

While it is certainly true that living in a foreign country will mask a certain amount of 'weirdness' in the eyes of others, it doesn't mean that your autism will somehow magically disappear. You stiil feel alienated, still feel an outsider, it's just that if you are a foreigner you have an additional 'excuse' for it (but also an additional reason why you are different and don't fit in).

 

[Gig3]

On one of my foreign experiences a guy who lived in the student dorm said that I was strange after talking with me for a few minutes! I used the excuse of being foreign, only to be told that I wasn't like other people he'd met from my country. Jerk! He turned out to have his good points, however. I recommend international travel and study. In my case, though, I was disappointed that my issues didn't magically disappear while abroad- and some were even exacerbated. I met many nice people as well. My diagnosis as an aspie is a confirmation of what I already knew. At this point I want to embrace the ASD community and move forward.
After attending a social event for people with ASD I realized that there is a group that I fit comfortably into.

 

[LooseEnds]

That said, different cultures do sometimes have different 'personalities' or common ways of behaving. Although I grew up in the US, I have always felt more comfortable in the UK (have lived here 30 years now) on a day to day level. My mother often said I was more British than American in many ways and maybe that's why I've stayed here. Looking at it now through the lens of ASD, it makes sense I'd feel less overwhelmed here where people are generally more reticent and calmer. I love the way you can be with someone and it's perfectly fine if the conversation goes silent for a while.