If you could be a neurotypical would you?

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I actually consider myself to be half Aspie and half NT (Aspie in the social and obsessions categories of traits and almost NT in the communictions category). If given a choice to be fully NT, I would immediatly reject it hands down. Why would anybody want to give up a life of gentleness and sensitivity and become one of those a**holes. However as someone else replied here, "it might be nice to be able to switch between skill sets" at will and when convenient.

No way.

And this in spite of the fact that being an Aspie made my childhood somewhat more troubled than it would have been otherwise.

ruveyn

As long as one can adapt to life, the difficulty is not the overriding factor. At times I have been able to adapt very well and at times not; but most of my life I was able to adapt. Given the opportunity to do it over and become a neurotypical, no, because I was satisfied with my life. The adaptations have worn me down, and my peers are moving ahead now while before I used to move at twice the speed that they did.

I think the value of research into Autism and related issues cannot be understimated, to find ways to help people with Autism cope better in life, and to know what may work best as an adaptation, instead of the trial and effort method that took me years to master.

Research is not necessarily about changing what a person is, it can be about a person having greater access to proven coping mechanisms, and the opportunity to have the best life as a person with Autism.

Even if it is something as simple as what jobs suit a person with Autism and what jobs don't, and what the reasons for this are that may apply in an individual's circumstance. That in itself can mean the difference in being employed or not being employed.

For those that hope for the best of both worlds for themselves and others; there is a better chance that people will find ways to get closer to this goal, with continued research. It may be possible that research can enhance neurodiversity rather than limit it.

I don't think there is another answer for those that seek a change that they cannot find on their own. And, I wouldn't want to do or say anything that might limit a potential answer for them, regardless of how good I have felt, in my life.

If I had the choice right now, I wouldn't. I'm already too accustomed to being myself.

I... Don't think I would like being who I'm not. I am all I've ever been, and I was never diagnosed as I grew up, so... I've always been me. So... no, I'll be me, warts and all, thank you. :p

Impossible, so I can't say...

If there's an NT trial period I'd definitely try that. And decide after trial is over. Personally I wouldn't mind getting rid of various sensory issues and gross motor problems. I'd love to experience what it's like to be one of those nice caring people. I've known a few people who have deeply touched me with their kindness and quiet dignity. I know it's not necessarily an NT thing but somehow I don't seem to be able to act like that. My default manner is blunt and insensitive, I hurt much easier than I heal others. I have to exercise great control to be nice, then I get too stressed from pretending.

If I were an NT, I'd have some other sh*t to deal with.