Apparent inability to fake facial expressions

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savvyidentity
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01 Aug 2013, 5:34 am

I've always thought that I wasn't the kind of person that's able to do a fake smile. Every time I've tried to take a self picture I just look goofy. Now I'm wondering if this is a possible thing with ASD. I don't mean mimicing facial expressions of others as this is known right? I mean faking a smile that under more naturally occuring circumstances wouldn't be a big deal - I'd just smile. Anyone else have this issue? If so, which facial expressions do you have a problem with?



RetroGamer87
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01 Aug 2013, 9:10 am

I know what you mean. I can only fake extremely basic facial expressions, like smiling. I do it for photos and there's still a chance it will look slightly goofy. That could just be because I don't like seeing my own picture. I also don't like hearing my voice recorded. If someone wants to record me could they at least use a descent microphone in their camcorder. I have a deep voice and those things don't pick up bass very well. As for taking my own photo, that's the worst. It looks so unnatural and contrived. If I need a photo for Facebook or something I only use a photo taken by someone else.



aComputerUser
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01 Aug 2013, 9:58 pm

Unfortunately I can't include pictures uploaded elsewhere in my posts yet, so I'll just tell you that smiling that "ear to ear" smilling is extremely uncomfortable for me.

My parents always complain that I never smile in pictures, but in all honesty, my facial expressions always tend to lean towards the neutral, regardless of emotion. So when I do smile intensely, I often can't ever find the right look. It's either too flat for everyone else or too goofy for me. (I use the word "cheesy")

As for taking my own picture, I must either use a mirror and take a picture of my reflection or use the front camera on my tablet. I need be able to see myself or else the photo turns out horribly. (Not that the image resolution on a front camera will ever be that good.)

P.S.
I'm not sure if I actually have ASD; I suspect it to an extent, but I just can't be sure.



savvyidentity
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02 Aug 2013, 6:32 am

aComputerUser wrote:
P.S.
I'm not sure if I actually have ASD; I suspect it to an extent, but I just can't be sure.


It's maybe not an ASD specific issue, I just wondered if people knew something that described than in an ASD maybe. What I find online is far too generic and rough guide style.