I HAVE CHARISMA.

Post Reply New Topic

There is, and it's largely invisible to aspies. Aspies, of course, are largely invisible to NTs. When they're not invisible, they're an irritation that is best ignored.

Sorry for digging up an old thread, but this thread made me sign up

I can be the awkward quiet guy in the corner in many social situations, but in many other situations I seem to have no problem.

I have done freelance web design/digital marketing since I was 15, and never had a problem convincing businessmen to part with their money for me to make them websites/develop marketing strategies for them (businessmen parting with money... the ultimate charisma test?). This saw me being invited to business breakfasts, in which I was also normally quite proficient in networking, with people making comments that they thought I could be a future Bill Gates (their words, I'm really not that big-headed).

In school clubs and societies, I have usually ended up in positions of power, and in some (such as philosophy and politics society) was one of the stronger debaters who people would generally look and listen to. Now that I've started Uni, I still find this happening, the most recent being yesterday when I was voted to be the PR officer of a club (ironic eh).

While I do put effort into some of this (like in the business stuff I find myself faking confidence), I have found myself surprised by some of the other situations, and think maybe that my autism made me underestimate myself.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that while I have autism, it would only be a barrier if I let it be. I still feel more comfortable being the quiet guy in the corner, but if I'm interested in what I am doing, I am able to put that aside, and when I force myself to get involved in conversation, I can surprise even myself.

In my opinion therefore, charisma and autism are compatible traits, but we just get to choose to be charismatic when it's on our terms (because we find something interesting).

=)