Is it common for people with Asperger's to mimic?

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I don't mean literal repetition of something that someone says or does.

I mean, you latch onto some role model who appears socially competent, and you study their mannerisms, speech, and style, and you just copy them shamelessly. Trying to hide it and seem natural, of course, but I'm not sure how successfully.

I was just wondering, because I used to do this a lot when I was younger, but I haven't done it in a few years and I feel like I have internalized all those characteristics I used to copy consciously. I'm not sure if it's something that lots of kids do, or if it may be an Asperger's trait, or if it's just me.

It's common on wrong planet to get harassed by undiagnosed OPS, It's also common for people to come on wrong planet lying about themselves constantly.

In "Pretending to be Normal," the (AS) author discusses how she does this.

I did the same thing when I was younger, and I enjoyed it. I know what you mean about internalizing some traits.

Looking back, I remember other young people who were also "acting." Their classifications is now anyone's guess, but it would be interesting to find out.

Oh yes. My typing and speaking and interacting style is a conglomeration of what I have gotten from book, movies, tv, and real life people. People tell me "be yourself" but I have no "self" like they do. If I did, nobody would want to be around me, and it's been almost half a century so I don't even know who "me" is.

So, the short answer from me, is yes.

Frances

Nope, at least not for me.

Every day. I try to catch and correct it when it gets too obvious, but I do this every day.

And when I stop acting? People don't seem to like straight up logic that's not framed in smiley faces and chit-chat.

So yeah, I'm a lifelong mimic. i can talk to anyone and actually connect with very few people.

I sometimes mimic lee evans. My other role model was Madonna. What a combination!

I have a tendency to pick up mannerisms and speech patterns of the people I'm talking to, especially if I like the person. One therapist told me it was my way of trying to connect with them. I have to watch it, though, or it comes off as me trying to be fake. When I realize I'm doing it, I'll either try to back it off quietly or make a joke about picking up accents.

For sure, I've tried mimicking those who were more popular or "natural" or "smooth" or whatever label you want to stick on those types. I found it only got me partway, but not enough to be convincing about it. I was no [insert suave actor here]. I've had the rare person in the past tell me this advice - even though I was following it long before they suggested it!!

I've also found that the opposite has been true - peers (and even a former boss) mimicked me in terms of interpreting things literally, or pretending not to acknowledge me...as if it were some sort of passive-aggressive revenge. That always bothers me.

I wish there were more Aspie role models for 'newbies' to 'mimic'.

I've seen a bunch of people on here mention doing so but it is not nearly universal. Personally I don't do that though.

Yes. That was how I learned and I thought everyone did it and I have heard that is how kids learn growing up, mimicking other kids and that is how they learn social rules and social skills. It has gotten me into trouble too. Now I try and be careful what I mimic. One of them was I was saying "no offense" for a while and that sort of stuff because I picked it up from other people and started to say it myself without realizing how it gets interpreted. Now I rarely say them now.

I was lucky my mother always set me straight growing up when I figure things out wrong from people. Sometimes I would figure it out myself by learning the hard way from other kids.

I fashion myself after Mick Avory of The Kinks because he's the only role model I've ever had. It may seem like I'm an impersonator but that's not the case. I just happen to like red jackets and frilly shirts and I've always have. I thought that role models were old school and pointless until I got back on track in Late 2009. I also chose him as a role model in order to have a healthy body image. A healthy body image for me isn't weighing what experts think a woman my height should weigh. For me, having a healthy body is accepting that I'm built like an Ox. It helps to remind me to eat.

I copy other people, but mostly my partner. His catch phrases become mine.