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Sadism: help please!

1. You are not autistic.

2. You are an abuser.

3. Go away.

4, You enjoy hurting children, women, and animals. Coward. Sissy. Coward.

5. Only cowards harm the weak. I know you for what you are. Coward. Coward.


Coward.

Coward.

Coward.
 
TRIGGER WARNING: Mentions abuse, suicide, self-harm, unpleasant topics and TMI.

TLDR: I did horrible stuff in my childhood and past. This includes childhood friends, exes, and animals. Crying activates the same part of my brain as seeing something cute. I don't feel guilt, I don't feel grief. I know my actions are monstrous, am I a psychopath? Should I seek therapy?
Your post reminds me of accounts of psychopathy that I've heard. However, I don't like labels so I wouldn't let something like that define you even if you were diagnosed with it.

Nothing traumatic happened to me for me to be a sociopath
As far as you know. I heard a story about someone with psychopathic traits who was raised well except for being abused by a babysitter when he was a baby. Something could have happened that your parents weren't aware of and that you can't remember. Contrary to popular myth, one thing science has revealed about mental illness is that it's not genetic.

I don't think wanting to harm others is abnormal. I see many seemingly normal people express a desire to harm others, usually when someone is accused of certain crimes, such as abuse and murder, wishing they'd get locked up, abused in prison, or even executed. Therefore, the abnormality, as I see it, was your desire to harm innocent people who did nothing wrong. If something happened when you were a baby, you may unconsciously see others as evil, which may explain why you wanted to harm others.

I'd focus on trying to see the good in others and seek to form healthy relationships since people generally don't want to harm those they love and see as good. Even though you don't feel grief, I think you should volunteer to help people and animals in need to help make up for what you've done.
 
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well I see the OP may have gotten what he possibly desired,by reading the attack responses , But if it was a intended actual request was for help, then I would hope to address the situation, from that point of veiw . Reactionary responses may not give intended responses ,(what those responding), wish to hope to acheive . ? possibly?
 
Contrary to popular myth, one thing science has revealed about mental illness is that it's not genetic.
This isn't entirely true.

1. Some are heritable, which implies they have a genetic factor
2. Some (including a specific example I gave above) turn up on scans, but are not caused by physical trauma or environmental factors.
Those are likely to have a genetic factor, but may not be heritable

An example of an illness that isn't heritable is Klinefelter Syndrome.
NB: Klinefelter's isn't a mental illness. I used it because I couldn't quickly find a mental illness that doesn't have some degree of heritability. But I didn't look too hard because I already knew it was true for Kilinefelter's.

I'm doesn't matter though: I don't doubt that there are mental illnesses that have to genetic factor.

In fact I reference "learned narcissism" here sometimes, and it obviously conforms to your assertion.
is narcissism hereditary at DuckDuckGo
 
This isn't entirely true.

1. Some are heritable, which implies they have a genetic factor
2. Some (including a specific example I gave above) turn up on scans, but are not caused by physical trauma or environmental factors.
Those are likely to have a genetic factor, but may not be heritable

An example of an illness that isn't heritable is Klinefelter Syndrome.
NB: Klinefelter's isn't a mental illness. I used it because I couldn't quickly find a mental illness that doesn't have some degree of heritability. But I didn't look too hard because I already knew it was true for Kilinefelter's.

I'm doesn't matter though: I don't doubt that there are mental illnesses that have to genetic factor.

In fact I reference "learned narcissism" here sometimes, and it obviously conforms to your assertion.
is narcissism hereditary at DuckDuckGo
Genetics are a factor in every mental illness I'm aware of (they often run in families and the rate in identical twins is higher than fraternal twins). However, none of the conditions I'm aware of have a genetic cause, although I don't doubt that there might be rare genetic conditions that have mental health consequences.

I searched DuckDuckGo and the AI response said "narcissism can have a genetic component, with studies suggesting that about 50% of narcissistic traits may be inherited. However, environmental factors, such as parenting styles and childhood experiences, also play a significant role in its development." The wording is misleading as all the studies showed is that both genes and the environment influenced risk, not that half of narcissistic traits have a genetic cause nor that 50% of narcissism has a genetic cause. Both genes and the environment play a role in most physical and mental health conditions I checked. For example, heavy smoker + "good" genes = no lung cancer while light smoker + "bad" genes = lung cancer. Tobacco companies used this science to try to convince people that lung cancer was genetic and not caused by cigarettes. Some today still twist the science to avoid hurting parent's feelings. Once I learned the truth about twin studies, I realized they don't mean much.
 
To be clear, I am not in the position to diagnose anyone.
I am simply analysing the situation and learning as I go.
This has been quite a fruitful journey after all. 🤔

As far as you know. I heard a story about someone with psychopathic traits who was raised well except for being abused by a babysitter when he was a baby. Something could have happened that your parents weren't aware of and that you can't remember. Contrary to popular myth, one thing science has revealed about mental illness is that it's not genetic.
Firstly, let me explain my use of the terms psychopathy and sociopathy.

In a nutshell:
Environmental factors are a greater contributor to the development of Sociopathy.
Sociopathy More strongly linked to environmental adversity, especially early trauma, neglect, and unstable social environments.One source explicitly states that sociopathy “develops over time” through environmental influences such as trauma, neglect, and socioeconomic stressors.
Genetic factors are a greater contributor to the development of Psychopathy.

Genetic contributions to psychopathy​

Research consistently shows:

  • Psychopathic traits are moderately to highly heritable in twin studies.
  • Multiple genes — especially those affecting dopamine, serotonin, and stress regulation — contribute small amounts of risk.
  • Biological traits such as low fear response, reduced emotional reactivity, and callous–unemotional traits can appear early in life and have genetic components.
  • Some genetic variants (e.g., MAOA‑L) increase vulnerability to aggression or emotional blunting, especially when combined with adverse environments.
So yes — genetic factors are a significant contributor.

Research indicates the complexity involved, and there is no black & white answer here.
What else is new? <shrug> :cool:


Emotional conscience: typically impaired​

Most research shows that people with psychopathic traits have reduced emotional empathy and blunted guilt or remorse. This is why they may:

  • not feel bad after harming someone
  • not experience guilt the way others do
  • not feel internal moral conflict

Psychology is a "soft" science, and there are often various opinions on various things.
This may be the case here:

How genetics influence mental illness​

Genetics contribute to vulnerability, not destiny. Research shows:

  • Many mental illnesses run in families, suggesting heritability.
  • Most conditions are polygenic — influenced by many genes, each adding a small amount of risk.
  • Rare gene variants can increase risk more strongly, but these are uncommon.
  • Genetic risk interacts with environment through epigenetics, meaning life experiences can turn certain genes “on” or “off.”
Examples of heritability estimates from large studies:

  • Schizophrenia: ~80%
  • Bipolar disorder: ~70%
  • Major depression: ~40–50%These numbers reflect risk contribution, not inevitability.
I don't think wanting to harm others is abnormal. I see many seemingly normal people express a desire to harm others, usually when someone is accused of certain crimes, such as abuse and murder, wishing they'd get locked up, abused in prison, or even executed. Therefore, the abnormality, as I see it, was your desire to harm innocent people who did nothing wrong. If something happened when you were a baby, you may unconsciously see others as evil, which may explain why you wanted to harm others.
Simply lacking a healthy conscience could explain antisocial proclivity.
Ppl who have ASPD still maintain certain reward systems, and this may encourage them to engage in antisocial behaviour.

Types of rewards people with ASPD may experience​

1.​

Many individuals with ASPD have a heightened drive for novelty, risk, and stimulation. Behaviours like rule‑breaking, aggression, or manipulation can produce:

  • adrenaline surges
  • dopamine‑driven anticipation
  • relief from boredom

2.​

Some antisocial behaviours create a sense of:

  • being in control
  • outsmarting others
  • asserting dominance
The psychopaths that I have crossed paths with truly do enjoy messing with ppl's heads/feelings.
It is like a cat playing with a mouse thing. 🐁🐈‍⬛

I'd focus on trying to see the good in others and seek to form healthy relationships since people generally don't want to harm those they love and see as good. Even though you don't feel grief, I think you should volunteer to help people and animals in need to help make up for what you've done.
Ppl with ASPD typically lack feelings of remorse, based on my research/experience.

BTW, here is what I discovered regarding ASPD and love:

Can someone with ASPD love at all?​

Yes — but their version of love is different.

A person with ASPD may:

  • feel attached
  • feel protective
  • enjoy closeness
  • value a partner
  • feel distress when a partner leaves
But these feelings are often filtered through:

  • reduced empathy
  • difficulty with emotional depth
  • impulsivity
  • self‑interest
This means the love they feel may be real to them, but not always nurturing, stable, or mutual in the way most people expect.
 
...Environmental factors are a greater contributor to the development of Sociopathy...

Psychopathic traits are moderately to highly heritable in twin studies...

Genetic risk interacts with environment through epigenetics, meaning life experiences can turn certain genes “on” or “off.

Your thorough response is consistent with my understanding. I quoted the above sentences in isolation because I wanted to point out that if genetics and the environment are both required to develop a condition, I don't think you can say that one factor (such as genetics) contributes more than the other (the environment), which is why I think twin studies aren't as helpful as they seem.

Examples of heritability estimates from large studies:

Schizophrenia: ~80%
Bipolar disorder: ~70%
Major depression: ~40–50%These numbers reflect risk contribution, not inevitability.

That's the common understanding from supposedly reputable websites but I don't think it's correct. Based on my understanding, which ChatGPT said was correct, it's possible for a condition to be 80% heritable in one country and 5% heritable in another due to differences in the environment despite the condition having the same cause in both countries.

Simply lacking a healthy conscience could explain antisocial proclivity.
Ppl who have ASPD still maintain certain reward systems, and this may encourage them to engage in antisocial behaviour.

I think simply lacking a healthy conscience would merely lead to indifference. I agree the reward system can explain the desire or pleasure experienced when harming others, but I think it generally requires a positive perception. What would cause individuals with antisocial personality disorder to think that harming others is a good thing?
 
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In what way?
What are you concerned about?

One of the two most likely scenarios is that the OP is a genuine call for help and advice, and the content in the post is accurate.

In that case, the malicious verbal attacks that the OP faced are quite likely to have had several a negative effect.

Three obvious ones, ordered least to worst:
* The kind of automatic defensive push-back that people feel when unfairly treated. It induces avoidance or ager (just like the initial reaction to cognitive dissonance - YouTube is full of examples).
* The negative psychological effect of being attacked and shunned by a group you thought you were part of.
This affects different people in different ways, but in 2026 (but not in 2006) it counts as a potential source of trauma.
* In (some) people who are naturally dissociated from society, "doubling down" is possible.
(This is real but it's also a trope in fiction, which skews people's expectations of its frequency).
Buts IMO OP could have been pushed towards never looking for help in the future - not in order to avoid the negative conditioning: that's the second case - but because because he has no motivation not to be selfish given that he's being treated as though he is.

Inducing any of those is a form of "poking a sleeping bear with a stick":
* If it works, you really won't like the effect
* If it doesn't work, why bother?
:
Meanwhile, where's the sympathy, compassion, or empathy?
These days, these words are used more often to induce bad behavior than to mitigate it /lol.

Either way, the perpetrators are displaying something interesting about themselves: something very close to the OP's problem - in the perps it differs from the OP's issue only in terms of degree.

It's been instructive though - this kind of irrational behavior is a fairly reliable "tell" for people's political orientation. One "side" is trained to respond this way. The other leans towards "wait and see", and be reasonable while waiting. Oddly, they're criticized for being conservative, which is a political word to describe a default "wait and see" approach (see "Chesterton's Fence" for a good frame).

FWIW I'm not Conservative: I'm old-school center-moderate, which is another group that thinks first, and responds later, preferring a soft phased approach to a direct aggressive one.

G. K. Chesterton - Wikipedia

It's worth noting that "Chesterton's Fence" has been stable over time. AFAIK it's been in use since quite soon after it was published (1929). I remember my father using it when I was a kid (OFC I couldn't contextualize it then, but it's a nice memory: hearing/seeing it used reminds me of my childhood).
 
One of the two most likely scenarios is that the OP is a genuine call for help and advice, and the content in the post is accurate.
As I said, right from the beginning:
This website is not the right place for the person.
I suggested they look for a website/forum dedicated to ASPD.

Assuming the person is genuine, there is little doubt they need to be assessed for this, based on what they have posted.
You don't have to be Einstein's dog to realise that. :cool:

No, I am not qualified to diagnose the person, but clearly, what is being expressed is overwhelmingly the antithesis of what autism is all about.

There are rare cases of someone having both ASPD AND Autism, but seriously, what has priority in this case? 🤨

And also consider the impact the post had on some of the members here.
"Family first", no? 🤔
 
This website is not the right place for the person.
Perhaps. But if so it's a mod decision, and doesn't excuse the Ad Hominems.
The mods always react to Reports (though not necessarily in the exact way the reporter suggested :)

And also consider the impact the post had on some of the members here.

If I was "king of the world" (or even of AF /lol.) I'd have "detuned" the OP manually, and required politeness in or absence from the thread.

I think there was room for some productive discussion, especially if OP is ASD and "something else" - a combination which is rare but possible.
But the endpoint would be the same (and keeps returning in the thread - I think we're at 5+ now):

OP needs to talk to a professional. Difficult and expensive in the US, so some advice would surely have been useful.
 
I think that was well said @Hypnalis I agree. We do not know someones full story just by a few words "painted" on a screen. Much has been left unsaid by OP. And MUCH has been said by others. I came here for a community of people filled with kindness and a sense of belonging. Maybe Im being presumptuous but a judge free zone. In a world where all we are is judged.

Sometimes if you dont have something nice to contribute to the OP it is best not to say anything at all.

With that being said as unpopular as it would be I still would like to hear from @TouhouFan28 if they are comfortable🙂. But I would understand if they are not comfortable after that "rollercoaster".
 
I think that was well said @Hypnalis I agree. We do not know someones full story just by a few words "painted" on a screen. Much has been left unsaid by OP. And MUCH has been said by others. I came here for a community of people filled with kindness and a sense of belonging. Maybe Im being presumptuous but a judge free zone. In a world where all we are is judged.

Sometimes if you dont have something nice to contribute to the OP it is best not to say anything at all.

With that being said as unpopular as it would be I still would like to hear from @TouhouFan28 if they are comfortable🙂. But I would understand if they are not comfortable after that "rollercoaster".
Ordinarily I could agree, but the op admitted he can manipulate/lie to draw victims in, then once he has a victim who trusts them, he then uses them for his gain by making them suffer. So, could they have come here knowing that many here could either take things at face value, be naive to intent or not pick up on verbal social cues, etc? In other words, they admitted they deceived before, and they are coming to a forum where they could think many could fall for the trap. So, are they pretending a desire for help and by being somewhat transparent, but in reality that is a new game for them to see if they can reel in some who assumes they now have good intentions from some self criticism and transparency? Who knows. I assume sadistic desires remain in most cases and does not melt away any without at minimum some intensive treatment. That is a reasonable inference.

Are we supposed to be sensitive to the feelings of some person who harmed so many and who apparently does not give a diddly doo about stating sadistic desires things to an Autistic forum where nearly all could not relate and where many nay want a safe and not triggering place, a forum talking mainly of Autistic related issues? Sadism is not a topic of interest to most here. If it is, I am in the wrong place. I am here because of our children with Autism and likely wife with it. I am not here to support sadistic persons who have not even talked about Autism in any way.

As well, how were the victims of the abuses against them by the sadist helped by them likely being less judgemental, more pleasing and sensitive to that sadistic abuser? They were used and abused more from being kind, trusting and weak from what was said? There is this thing called responsibility and deception that many of us fail to miss. When you do the manipulation and crime, pay the price and do the time (turn yourself in, get charged, get investigated, appear in court, be put in jail, etc).. And when you have bullied others for enjoyment there, and feel entitled there, expect others to side with the victims and fight back. When inhumane things are done, expect human reactions back.

So if that perpetrator was/is not making amends, getting treatment, and doing time for those crimes, but just coming semi clean on a forum, and if they do not seem remorseful, it to me seems natural for any to have doubts about their full honesty and sincerity, and ability to change, and it will be natural for any outrage to occur, and for those to need to vent against that unpunished cruelty, and/or with need to show little empathy back to the abuser, with focus on the hidden real victims and wanting justice served and no new suffering to occur, as it appears from what they said insanity is not their excuse, so those who resort to such need to put their big boy and big girl pants on and take real accountability. The 'I have uncontrollable lack of empathy' is not valid reason to harm others.

None of us here are going to fix sadist thinking no matter how nice, non judgmental and probing we are; thinking that may be ingrained forever in them or for long duration from the things said and as research says. The key is to thus stop further harms from happening to others and for the harmed to heal and get any justice.. As much as I am fine that the op admits to some bad things he did and does that society would see as wrong, and as so future people can avoid that, I expect there likely was much worse things done or said, as what was said seemed to be giving just enough details for us to trust, but I am not naive there knowing things were likely even worse, and that there could even be some harmful or selfish intent for their post to members here.

We all have a right to judge anybody that has harmed an innocent another. Everybody judges, and that is how we learn to find pleasures, stay neutral and/or avoid pain. Yes we should focus on what we control, the rules in life and of the forum, but if we see sadist behaviors to occur, expect appropriate feelings and reactions back from those who believe in fairness, justice, and to rightfully express their distaste. We have feelings and are not robots. After all, the op came to a forum of those who relate to Autism, and nothing I read indicates enough core symptoms to even suggest that condition. Just because one may lack empathy and enjoys hurting others, let's not imply it is Autism causing those harms? No wonder why people are offended, as who knows if the intent could be to offend more and to get reactions they like back. In that case, they win, but so do we by stating truly how we feel, and if those stating concerns against the op causes more members to support indirectly the victims and to proceed with more caution against someone who can harm again, that is a good hing..

Too much empathy to abusers or those enabling them results in actually more abuse. We can deny it, but I should know, as I witnessed my mother and us being beaten by our father regularly. I did not repeat that cycle with my family, and I became very empathetic partly by sensing all that pain in me and all around me and wanting to be my best for myself and others.. However, I knew my dad knew right from wrong, too. and yet he never attempted to change his ways. And I saw my mother siding time and time again with our father, and yes partly out of fear of being alone, as he was not the type o hunt others down. But Mom started blaming us for their fights and abusing us, and she too needed to be held accountable there as she was supposed to put her kids first and was not deemed insane.. She put her husband first and she allowed abuse.

Enabling abusers and prioritizing or assuming them as some victim who just wants help is not the answer. My sister turned narcissistic too likely from the maltreatment she suffered too, but she was/is not legally labeled crazy either, nor would ever admit to it anyway having been a high ranking military person. Blaming your past, condition and/or others for your own adult bad actions in life or denying being an abuser is dumb. Some severe defect things could be genetic yes, but go to court then and prove insanity if that is an issue, and go get much treatment. When people do not do such, they must adhere to laws, common moral and ethical standards, or else will be judged by others for commiting harms and breaking rules. My empathy is with current victims and future victims.

Coming to this forum expecting us to show care and show understanding to someone who just out of the gate wanted to show us just some sadist side without showing ties to Autism would be weird, if that was the desire or act. If that was not the purpose for coming here, explain the purpose and stop avoiding the real issue, the fact you did harmful things for so long without apparently any consequences, and you never apparently tried to help yourself as your focus was on your pleasure . The real issue with any manipulator and abuser is their needs to please mainly themselves. So I am not going to please you.

By them pleasing themselves by hurting others, you win some, but you will lose some too. The law will catch up with you, and the victims can fight back. And those who prioritize victims, and who will try to prevent you from victimizing more, will advocate for them, while doing everything in their power to make it known to you that coming to a forum and expecting us to assist you in any way is a bit pompous for the fair to accept, when you cannot even turn yourself in to authorities for the trouble you caused and will cause further by you not even attempting in-patient treatment and by not addressing how you will better the lack of remorse for your intent to inflict pain.

Some may fall for the I come in peace and I need some relief for being a self-admitted monster' game; I will not. Sadists do not change. They may mask to draw victims in, or manage some symptoms some, but resort to their usual horrible thinking or ways. If anything, things often escalate with them thirsting for more or more extreme suffering. So the, 'I am mostly fine now. That was the past stuff' is deception, as I never heard of a sadist, psychopath or sociopath overcome many of such behavioral things without at minimum much medical intervention, and that often cannot change their any lack of empathy or remorse in their intentional acts to commit human suffering..
 
@1ForAll

It makes no difference whether your analysis is accurate or not.
And realistically, it is extremely unlikely anyone here is capable of analyzing OP.
I can't see it doing any practical harm, but why bother?

We should either try to help the OP or treat him as a troll.
Both cases can be handled with the same brief answer.

It's certain that Ad Hominems won't help at all. And it's possible they will do some harm - but less to OP than to other people.
Clearly there shouldn't have been any personal attacks earlier, and there should be no new ones.

What's actually happening is functionally very close to a flame war.
Fortunately these are rare in AF. We should keep it that way.
 
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I think any analysis made of the OP in this thread could be accurate and that nobody but the OP will know the full truth.
 

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