On "normality" and always being different

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Beryllium
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29 Jun 2016, 6:27 am

As someone with ASD, ADD and dyslexia, there has always been something "wrong" with me (even though I wasn't diagnosed until high school (joys of s**t parents)) and the question of what it would be like to not have these things botheres me. Like I feel as if these "issues" have been a huge part of how who I am has formed (esp. the Asperger's) but it still bothers me when people ask if I think about ever what it'd be like to be "normal" when I just wouldn't be me. Also, (somewhat unnrelated) it bothers me how others are apprehensive about my issues being real due to level of functioning, grades etc when they never really know about all of the facets of my life, personality, behaviour, etc. This makes me really apprehensive to talk about my issues (both developmental and not) because I get anxious that the persons just sitting there thinking "you're a liar" or "You're doing well in school so you shouldn't be complaining" or things along those lines. :?



Aristophanes
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29 Jun 2016, 6:44 am

You're not alone, the disbelief of others is something you need to adapt to because it's not going away anytime soon. It says you're 17, that is about the worst age for someone with autism (not to mention your other diagnoses)-- that's the age when social pressure is amped to it's max, and everyone is about "fitting in". The pressure to "fit in" will always be there, but it will ease down a bit in a few years.

Realize that as harsh as the teenage world you're living in now can be, there are places like this that can provide shelter from the storm. If you have a problem or issue, or need to vent, I highly recommend letting out here as opposed to your classmates. At your age anything you say will only be used against you in that setting. Here however, (and other similar forums, if this isn't your cup of tea) you'll encounter people who have been through the gauntlet you are navigating right now-- they have knowledge and empathy, two qualities your won't find in your classmates right now.

As I said, I can't offer a solution-- if I could change human nature I would, but alas, I don't have a magic wand powerful enough. All I can say is that it will get easier and the pressure will drop a bit, you just have to hang in and wait it out.



kraftiekortie
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29 Jun 2016, 6:57 am

I guess I'm fortunate then LOL

Nobody EVER doubted that there was "something wrong with me."

People still don't have any doubts about that.

I would consider myself fortunate, in a way, that your "disabilities" aren't evident at first glance.



neilson_wheels
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29 Jun 2016, 7:00 am

A lot of people go through their whole lives making assumptions and being judgemental about others. It does not matter what type of brain the other person has. As above (Aristophanes), you will need to get used to that.
You know yourself, do what is good for you, there are nice people around that are worth spending time with.