To be honest, I was unaware it existed until about a year ago. A kid who had moved from a school nearby had been diagnosed with it, and our classes had to raise awareness and understand why everything was the way it is. Even still, I don't know too much about it! I think it's a very good idea to have more threads like these, it's a very neat concept. Is there anything you'd like to tell us about, any situations, how it's like? Apologies if it's a bit pushy!

[url=/users/profile/Aotani][@Aotani][/url] Oh no, it's fine! Honestly, there's not much to say about it. I'm sometimes described as having no filter--you know, that little thing in your mind that tells you "don't say this, it'll be hurtful"? Yeah, it's kinda hard to make friends when you're in the first grade and blurting out everything that comes to your mind. (Please note that, obviously, I'm no longer in the first grade, and that I've definitely improved over the years.) A lot of we Aspies also need routines. We thrive on them. Everything's regimented, and if more than a few things deviate from the pre-set idea we have in our head we get stressed. Luckily, I'm what's called high-functioning, which means that you wouldn't know I had Asperger's if I didn't tell you. You may think something's a bit odd about me, but that's it. Fortunately, I've been lucky enough to have a decent social circle of people that accept my quirks--and a lot of them don't even know I have Asperger's! I guess some of it's about putting yourself out there, honestly. You go out there thinking everyone's judging you but they're not--they have their own lives, their own things to worry about.

Oh hey, I'm autistic too! (is 'same' an appropriate response to one of these threads because, surprising precisely nobody, I have trouble telling sometimes)

[url=/users/profile/Shaula][@Shaula][/url] Thank you for telling me! I was worried I was the only one here.

As a neurotypical, what can people like me do to help people like you be more comfortable in social situations?

[url=/users/profile/Adraxa][@Adraxa][/url] Oh, it varies from person to person, but personal space is usually a common one. Many of us have a "thing", I guess, where being touched during certain times--like if we're stressed or angry--can kinda irritate us. If you want media that accurately represents us, look up Atypical on Netflix. It's quite good.

Thanks, I will when I have the time. I just want to make you guys feel more comfortable, as I recognize you have difficulties in social situations.

Hey [url=/users/profile/EonArisen][@EonArisen][/url] ! My brother has Asperger's Syndrome too, and was diagnosed about 7 years ago. He's definitely had his ups and downs over the years, but he's been improving with social cues and emotion management. What's the most important thing you think people that aren't on the Autism Spectrum should learn about it?

[url=/users/profile/mnmix][@mnmix][/url] That's a good question, actually. I think an important one would be about the kids. How many times, for instance, has your brother been bullied on the playground before he was diagnosed? Perhaps repeated bad experiences drove him even further into his shell and into the company of books? My point is, negative reactions from young kids while they're still at that tender age can definitely screw up a childhood. Another, more simple one, is to kinda accommodate for the Aspie's needs. if they have trouble detecting sarcasm, for instance, perhaps try to reduce the amount used?

Well, now I'm curious, too. Though, all of the points you've been making so far seem like they could apply to anyone, honestly? As in, everyone should always have their personal space be respected and not touched unless invited! And negative reactions from young kids while young screws up anyone. And if you're trying to communicate with anyone and they have trouble with sarcasm, then don't use it with them if you want to actually communicate with them effectively, no matter what causes the difficulty in detecting sarcasm. (My brother and I are bad at that, and neither of us really match up at all with other spectrum symptoms, so I don't think that would be why for us) Is there something specific for autism-spectrum people in particular, that might be different than dealing with anyone else, that we should be aware of? Is there something you could give as an example maybe? Only if you feel comfortable with it, of course!