Aspies For Freedom

Hi, I am a 17 year-old NT girl. I heard about Aspies for Freedom from an article in New Scientist, so I read more about it on the web. I have been lurking on this forum for quite a while now, and I have found it interesting but also saddening to read about all the problems you face. I recognise many of the things you criticise about NTs in myself, but I am trying to understand and to change.

I feel somewhat guilty about lurking on the forum, and I would also love to join in some of the discussions, but I don't want to intrude if this forum is only for people with autism or aspergers. Is it ok for me to join?

Queenie

Anyone with an interest can join. :smile:

I'm a fourteen year old girl.
I once stalked a forum for about 5 months before joining and regretted it. The sooner you start,the better.

There are NTs here. One of the most vocal and effective is Kev. He is a valued member.

Thankyou. I have joined, as you can see.   :smile:

Welcome aboard, I'm an aspie married to an NT (aspie friendly).

Peace

I am NT also (I think, see below) but would like to know more about AS because I have several friends who were recently diagnosed -- and many others in my circle that I suspect have undiagnosed AS.

That includes myself. I took one of the online tests and scored 27 (the "bottom line" for AS was given at 32). I've always reacted "differently" to certain situations, I suck at eye contact and have an obsessive streak and low tolerance for discomfort -- if I dislike something about my job, for instance, I've been known to obsess about getting the hell out. Even if it's something relatively minor, like the way a co-worker says "good morning." Sound familiar to anyone?

One of those in my circle with a recent DX is the 10-year-old son of friends of mine. His mom strongly suspects Dad has it, too, and it wouldn't surprise me. But he refuses to go there. He's 58, comfortable in his skin, has no educational or developmental needs at stake, so what would a DX gain him even if he were willing to accept it?

I'm 46 and sort of feel the same way about pursuing a DX for myself. It would explain why I have always been and felt different, which would bring some comfort. But I am happy and loved and blessed to be part of a huge circle of friends who accept one another's differences, "medically" based or not.

Whether I have AS or not, which may remain unanswered, I would like to hang out here and learn more about AS so that I can understand my peeps who have it, especially the kids.

I don't think that the dividing line between aspie and neurotypical is all that sharp, especially as people get older.  The aspies figure out ways to adapt and the NTs come more into their unique selves.  If, after reading what people on this forum have to say, you feel a kinship, then join in.  That's what I did, anyway.

Anyone who feels drawn to our community of interest and is broadly sympathetic to the goals of Aspies For Freedom is welcome here.

So make yourself at home!  :smile:

Stella

"The aspies figure out ways to adapt"

I dont think thats universally true, in a study by Pat Howlin et al they found that some aspies lose skills as they get older, some remain the same, and some do develop more skills.

So it just depends on the person, and how their skills develop or wane.

Welcome to AFF.  I'm still plowing through old topics and posts and learning a lot, also.

Welcome

Hello and Welcome to Aspies For Freedom, Liorda! I hope you'll soon feel at home here and make new friends!

Stella Aspergia

NiiceLaady wrote

Why accept it? Get even. Get them back.

I am one of those busy losing skills. It's awful. It's so bad not even my therapist understands me anymore.  :cry:

I might go on meds soon to control anxiety and anger. So hopefully things will get better  :smile: