35 y/o male on the spectrum
Hey, saw this community and that it was nearly empty so wanted to add a little about myself to break the ice.
I'm high-functioning according to scientific terms, but man it's a struggle every day. I am very socially inept in most situations, I've become a kind of hermit. But that's fine with me because ai have my wife and son and that's all I need.
I also have ADD and Bipolar Disorder, and although not specifically diagnosed, i wonder about ASPD and AVPD as well. To top it all off, I also have constant brain fog with short moments of clarity, and aphantasia.
Yes this all really sucks, but it's not all bad. I have a supporting wife, and awesome (and crazy) son who is just like me... Which makes me upset about what he may go through in life, but also glad because I can give hime real, understanding support he won't get from most people.
I spent 8 years as a carpenter (retail before, but couldn't keep it up due to the customer contact.) And I am now a certified web developer and continually learning.
I didn't grow up with medication, or support, but I wish I did. I got on meds late, and honestly I could be so much farther ahead now if I had them sooner.
Anyway that's all I've got, I don't know how to exit social situations so yeah. The end. See ya!
Hi reric!
I feel you on this one. I sat down for a chat with my neighbour the other day (they invited me in after I dropped something over) and had NO idea how to long to stay or if I was bothering them. I would stay forever if I didn't constantly remind myself not to stay for too long. Eeek.
Anyway nice to meet you!
Same!
I usually set a time limit when I am going somewhere for that reason. I just let them know I can stay for 5 minutes, 30, an hour etc. I can't small talk, it gets awkward fast. It doesn't have to be awkward though, it's like that scene in Pulp Fiction:
I like the idea of you just saying the thing you wanted to say, then abruptly turning around and walking out of the room.
Howdy!
Carpenter to web dev, eh? Sounds a little like my welder to quality management journey. Turns out that I much prefer a clean, quiet office job.
Being a guy I'm pretty sure you can just say "Welp", slap your knees with your hands, look down, get up and walk out.
>walks into room
>says something
>refuses to elaborate
>leaves