Replying with the word Awwwwww

[Dirtdigger]

One of the things that really irritate me about this word is how it seems to be used at inappropriate times and I want to see what everyone thinks.

The only time I use the word "Awwwwww" is if I see an animal doing something cute or a child doing something cute. But, when this word is given in a reply when one adult talking about adult things to another adult, especially when it comes to a trait of Autism I find it very inappropriate. And I've had to deal with this word a lot getting the feeling that I'm being treated like a child. I'm looked down on and treated like some kind of retard as it is because I can't even talk to some Aspies about my traits.

Examples: I may be telling someone about my sensory issues or I may be telling this person that I have a dangerous stim where I have hurt myself pretty bad. Both true.

But, instead of getting an intelligent reply from that person, I get a stupid reply like "Awwwww" in a sarcastic way.

 

[Spiller]

I could translate this into a vocal, facial and expressive Awww! With family, acquaintances and people who's business my mental health isn't!
My interpretation of the collective expression of my condition, as utterly not understood at all by most, is as like holding a live hand grenade!

 

[Judge]

I just have to go with the consensus to leave my autism and all the traits and behaviors that go with it on a need-to-know basis (outside this online community).

Otherwise I'm afraid one is likely to encounter this sort of thing more often than not.

 

[AsheSkyler]

I've had that happen a few times. Somebody is trying to push me into something I can't do, which typically is making me use Clorox or bleach, and then they do that condescending little "aww" and throw the bucket at me anyway. I hate it. Some people are just jerks. Normal people usually respond with an "aw, okay" or something and then try to work the situation to a mutual advantage, like I go scrub the windows because they hate that while they go do whatever involves the icky bleach. There are plenty of slimy or annoying things I can handle well that most people don't enjoy, so the non-jerks don't mind taking advantage of it. I don't mind the "aw" or "huh" when it's just a noise of acknowledgment to let me know they heard me while they think about it. Those aws are usually followed by interesting or funny conversations where we fuss about how much we don't like the same object. In example, I've just about decided the only people who do like wearing "loud" perfume are only the ones wearing it!

 

[clg114]

I just have to go with the consensus to leave my autism and all the traits and behaviors that go with it on a need-to-know basis (outside this online community).

Otherwise I'm afraid one is likely to encounter this sort of thing more often than not.

You got that right!

 

[Suzanne]

Have not experienced quite that, but wow if I had, I would not be able to deal with it well!

I tend to get: oh, I experience that, in a haha way, which makes me want to escape.

It is so hard being around NT's

 

[Dirtdigger]

Have not experienced quite that, but wow if I had, I would not be able to deal with it well!

I tend to get: oh, I experience that, in a haha way, which makes me want to escape.

It is so hard being around NT's

I have more problems with other Aspies doing this to me than I have with NTs. But, I really hate to be around NTs because I don't think like they do because they don't want to hear what I have to say on certain subjects that I'm obsessed with. You would think you can talk to fellow Aspies and many of them you can. But there are a few that you can't.

 

[Suzanne]

I have more problems with other Aspies doing this to me than I have with NTs. But, I really hate to be around NTs because I don't think like they do because they don't want to hear what I have to say on certain subjects that I'm obsessed with. You would think you can talk to fellow Aspies and many of them you can. But there are a few that you can't.

I think that because we are all aspies, it is assumed that we should all get on with each other, but actually, when one thinks of it, the reality is quite different. Since we do not all have the exact same "symptoms" or to a lesser degree and we are still human beings, there is bound to be troubles in the storm!

I experience that too about wanting to talk and not getting a listening ear. I was completely absorbed in ebola and I felt the need to keep talking about it, but not one person wanted to listen, which caused many meltdowns. The trouble is, we are so into what we are obsessed with, that we do not appreciate that the other person, has not that same interest and will soon go off into a world of their own.

What got to me is that my husband is an NT and is obsessed with eucalyptus trees and yet, gets people listening to him passion and sometimes, I feel very angry, that he gets to talk about his passion but not many want to hang around to when I talk and I tell you what is strange: his voice is very dictatorial and no nonsense but perhaps that is why! Whereas I am too aware of people and feel embarrassed about talking about what I am keenly interested in and so, when I start, may be I do not give the impression of sanity lol and people think they cannot feed my obsession!

I try to be careful who I pick to talk about what I am obsessed with

 

[epath13]

I have no problem with "aww". I use it when something is super cute (I'm a huge cute fan ) or when I'm concerned about someone, not because of a tragedy but because of a mild to moderate disappointment. I say it when I know both parties can have a little fun with the subject, which would make the upset party feel better. It DOES NOT work for everybody, a lot of people don't like make fun of their suffering, no matter how mild it is. So I am always careful when I use it. I'm the kind of person who prefers to laugh at things rather then dwell on negative, so if somebody says "aww" to me, whatever the reason is, I'd take it. And, I have never seen it used sarcastically or to make fun of somebody (not to make them feel better, but to laugh at them), but I guess it does happen...

 

[Vinca]

One of the things that really irritate me about this word is how it seems to be used at inappropriate times and I want to see what everyone thinks.

The only time I use the word "Awwwwww" is if I see an animal doing something cute or a child doing something cute. But, when this word is given in a reply when one adult talking about adult things to another adult, especially when it comes to a trait of Autism I find it very inappropriate. And I've had to deal with this word a lot getting the feeling that I'm being treated like a child. I'm looked down on and treated like some kind of retard as it is because I can't even talk to some Aspies about my traits.

Examples: I may be telling someone about my sensory issues or I may be telling this person that I have a dangerous stim where I have hurt myself pretty bad. Both true.

But, instead of getting an intelligent reply from that person, I get a stupid reply like "Awwwww" in a sarcastic way.

What you have said is really valid.

Sometimes I have used 'awwww' in an attemt to express sympathy with what a person is saying, as I really struggle to express sympathy in words but having thought about what you have said, it seems that it could actually be coming accross as patronising.

I think perhaps some people like to be felt sorry for/pitied, whilst others don't.

 

[zurb]

I think the context, tone of voice, facial expressions and body language all have a big impact on the meaning of 'awwwww'.
I also think that the OP's issue is related to the NT's inability to relate to the issues at hand. It is a sarcastic way of saying 'so what, we all experience that' or 'I can't see it so you're making it up.'

 

[Progster]

Yes, "aawwww" drives me nuts. I never use it. As a response to a problem it sounds patronising, or insincere at best. It's ok for people to use for cute furry animals, etc, but I still wouldn't say it.

 

[Berianireth]

"Aww" is one of my go-to words when I'm not sure what to say, if that makes you feel any better. I've never used it to be patronizing, although I agree that it is kind of an inappropriate way to respond to a grown person's traits. Especially if it involves a neurological condition. Perhaps some of the people that do that to you just aren't sure how else to respond though!