autistic/in a rural area/no education: what'd it look like?

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usernamio
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30 Aug 2015, 3:39 pm

I am undiagnosed, but I've been pretty sure that I am on the spectrum for a while. I've looked at the DSM and online evaluations and stuff, and I think my dad fits the bill even more; in a lot of ways he's like a classic "aspie"--- male, extremely intelligent, educated, very science-y, but gets into conflicts at work because of social ineptitude, doesn't get sarcasm, etc.
This question is just out of curiosity, but I'm trying to figure out (assuming ASD is genetic, yes?) where my dad may have gotten it from. I don't know my grandparents that well, but I'm guessing the strongest candidate would be my dad's dad.
Here's the thing: my grandfather is (and has always been) a farmer in rural China. I believe he only completed elementary school, or maybe not even that? And I'm trying to guess, from what little I know of him, whether he could have been autistic, but most sources only describe people in first world countries and school environments. I would imagine that these traits would manifest differently in different environments?
Here's what else I know about him:
- the last time I met him was a couple of years ago, and he was already getting really old and frail, but he insisted on working every day
- he's had a couple of falls and stuff because he'd keep trying to get up, work, walk around etc
- my dad says he's stubborn
- I don't think he talks much? I mean, he's not chatty
- when I was a baby, my grandparents took care of me for a while, and my mom says, apparently, he didn't really know how to play/interact with me



auntblabby
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30 Aug 2015, 11:50 pm

hiya U :) welcome to our nice club 8) I am not educated and I live out in the sticks also. he could be me also.



Earthling
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31 Aug 2015, 12:30 am

Could it be that in Chinese/Asian society Aspies aren't as obvious?
From what I've heard Chinese parents don't really tell their kids that they love them.
Instead they show their love by doing things for them like ask if they have eaten already, save money for college and such things.
Generally Asian societies seem to have a less aggressive communication style and direct eye contact is offensive in some countries (don't quote me on that! This is just hearsay!).
Maybe your granpa isn't an Aspie and just has some traits. Or maybe your father is the first in the bloodline where it shows.
Who knows...