Would an Aspie have been better off in an earlier era?

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Having lived in both countries, I think this is true for television characters, but its exagerated for humourous effect and less true in real life. I do think that introversion is more readily accepted in the UK than in the US, but I wouldn't say that social rules are any clearer, and eccentricities are equally regarded as 'weird' in both countries.

Ahhh! I be a pirate in me dinghy!

Not really especially during the dark ages or pre colonial times I would be thought of as demon possessed or burned alive as a warlock.

I think that is is a two-edge sword:

In traditional societies, it is more easy to understand how to "fit in", but the social reprovation against people who do not "fit in" is also stronger.

In contrast, in the modern world, it is probably more probable that an Aspie ends up without family and friends, but is is also more easy to survive without close social contacts.

Parts of me would have faired better in England in the 60s, and parts of me would thrive much better in the future. I'm a Mod in a 60s sense and I like the old music and vintage unisex clothes that were on the market during that decade as well as the vintage TVs that were manufactured between 1954 and 1966.

On the other hand, a part of me would thrive in a future where people are judged by their character and personality instead of their biological gender. I also feel that there will be much more Autism Acceptance in the future as well.

I think that school and work are often worse for Aspies today. in the 1980s when I was at school, there was more rote learning of facts, and less of the dreaded "Please get together into groups to work" than there seems to be today.I think it would be harder for children today to refuse to interact with their classmates like I did, but perhaps they are more likely to be diagnosed? Job interviews are more and more about selling your personality than your specific abilities and skills, and the workplace is obsessed with team building. On the plus side, the internet is great for communication of ideas and gathering of knowledge whilst being able to avoid direct contact with people. Regarding place of abode, I want the peace and quiet of the country and the anonymity and diversity of the city, so I live in a large town and seek out the quiet places and quiet times, such as very early morning. I would love to live in a secluded rural spot though, but a tight knit village would be my least favourite choice.

I think that school and work are often worse for Aspies today. in the 1980s when I was at school, there was more rote learning of facts, and less of the dreaded "Please get together into groups to work" than there seems to be today.I think it would be harder for children today to refuse to interact with their classmates like I did, but perhaps they are more likely to be diagnosed? Job interviews are more and more about selling your personality than your specific abilities and skills, and the workplace is obsessed with team building. On the plus side, the internet is great for communication of ideas and gathering of knowledge whilst being able to avoid direct contact with people. Regarding place of abode, I want the peace and quiet of the country and the anonymity and diversity of the city, so I live in a large town and seek out the quiet places and quiet times, such as very early morning. I would love to live in a secluded rural spot though, but a tight knit village would be my least favourite choice.

I was thinking the same thing. Considering how many aspies have some serious sensory issues I don't know how they can stand it. I hate big cities. I hate having no room, constantly being around tons of people, all the lights/noise etc. I live in the 'burbs and love it. I used to live in a rinky dinky town with little to it, but where I live it's fairly big but not near as big as the nearest city of course.

Yet I like how friendly people are here and you get to know lots of people, especially places you frequent.

Anyway, as for the topic: I would love to go back to the early 80s. Not to far back where everything is much harder, and past all the 60/70s hippy stuff, but still a time where you can enjoy some tech while still having the sense of community and etiquette people had.

Also, it surprises me that some people here seem to equate small towns with backwards thinking and more intolerance. In my experiences, this cannot be further from the truth. I have found small town/suburbanites to be even more accepting of my differences and quirks. If anything, I am judged more harshly for my differences here in NYC than anywhere else I have been. I find Asian cities (Shanghai, Shenzen, Tokyo, Osaka) to be more accepting and friendly overall. I don't know, maybe it's just NYC that leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Same here. I was born pigeon-toed (the medical term was Bilateral Metatarsus Primus Varus). I wore casts as an infant, followed by corrective shoes.

In an earlier era, I imagine I would have been left out in the field to die. I suspect a small percentage of other Aspies would have suffered a similar fate.

I think so. Especially since this society values social skills so much, much much more than intellectual pursuits.

Heh... I hadn't thought of going back to such a recent past....

I wouldn't mind re-visiting the 80's and 90's (and try to glimpse lost loved ones), and I'd also like to go to the 50's and 60's when cars were cars and music was music. Only seeing those decades up close would show me whether or not I'd like to live there, but I think I'd like to go back further than just the 80's because then this time would come too soon and... I like the past better.