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roygerdodger
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29 Jul 2008, 5:47 pm

Is it normal for a 17-year-old to:

Still hate going to school.
Who stills likes stuff like cartoons and video games.
To not understand of be interested in stuff like everybody else (music, sports, current events, etc.)
To not understand social situations.
To not be over-materialistic.
To like something most of people find strange (AKA closing logos, TV idents, etc.)
Who always learns stuff differently from everybody else.
To not have a lot of NT abilites, like holding down a real job, like doing well with schoolwork and being social at the same time, etc.

And sometimes I feel left out or people think I'm a total weirdo because of those things.



Tracker
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29 Jul 2008, 5:50 pm

Is it normal?

No, it isnt normal to be like that. But being normal is vastly overrated. If you want to go with the flow and be like everybody else, then thats fine. I personally dont mind being a little different. Its easier when you stop caring about what other stupid people think. This may sound like overused advice, but you need to be satisfied with who you are, not what the majority says you should be like.



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29 Jul 2008, 5:54 pm

To be honest with you, no, it's not normal, but not all of these things are negative:

Still hate going to school.

A fair amount of people hate school, AS or not. Both of my NT sisters hated school because they had little in common with their closed-minded peers, and thought most of the teachers were crap, which they were.

Who stills likes stuff like cartoons and video games.

Isn't it adults who create cartoons and video games? Plus, the majority of serious gamers are aged 30+. It's nothing to be ashamed of...maybe there are some people you know who also like cartoons and video games?

To not understand of be interested in stuff like everybody else (music, sports, current events, etc.)

A lot of this stuff is boring. It's an idea to at least pretend to take some sort of interest in current events, and news stories have an extra advantage of being good conversation starters. Just look on the internet or TV for today's news for 5 minutes or so; there's usually one piece of news that's worth talking about with other people.

To not have any friends.

A lot of us here are in the same position.

To not be over-materialistic.

That's a positive trait. It's only the Western obsession with money and careers that makes being anything other than materialistic seem abnormal.

To like something most of people find strange (AKA closing logos, TV idents, etc.)

You're an aspie, what do you expect. :wink:

Who always learns stuff differently from everybody else.

Again, individuality is often appreciated, especially if you find a job that requires creativity and thinking outside the box.

To not have a lot of NT abilites, like holding down a real job, like doing well with schoolwork and being social at the same time, etc.

Welcome to the club.


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29 Jul 2008, 6:07 pm

Do you wanna be normal?

All of it be a trade-off and you gotta decide what you value...your interests and individual self or the feel'n of being relate-able and one-of-them, (superficially or otherwise). Lot's o normal people be playing the same juggling act to various tilts, but some others ain't gonna get the latter even if they sacrifice all the former...a more fundamental rift is present.

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roygerdodger
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29 Jul 2008, 6:08 pm

Quote:
maybe there are some people you know who also like cartoons and video games?


Not really.



roygerdodger
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29 Jul 2008, 6:09 pm

Quote:
Do you wanna be normal?


No.



Followthereaper90
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29 Jul 2008, 6:31 pm

Is it normal for a 17-year-old to:

Still hate going to school. yes and im 18
Who stills likes stuff like cartoons and video games. im hardcore player
To not understand of be interested in stuff like everybody else (music, sports, current events, etc.)
To not understand social situations. yes sometimes
To not be over-materialistic.
To like something most of people find strange (AKA closing logos, TV idents, etc.)
Who always learns stuff differently from everybody else.
To not have a lot of NT abilites, like holding down a real job, like doing well with schoolwork and being social at the same time, etc.

And sometimes I feel left out or people think I'm a total weirdo because of those things.


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schleppenheimer
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29 Jul 2008, 6:34 pm

The key is, it's fine to be all of those things, with the exception of not holding down a real job. They mystery is how to be all of those things and still be able to hold down a real job.



Followthereaper90
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29 Jul 2008, 6:35 pm

roygerdodger wrote:
Quote:
maybe there are some people you know who also like cartoons and video games?


Not really.
tell that to me lol i can play whithout lying 3h straigth which is not unusual :P my steam rating is 10 and been playing 51h last 2 weeks acording what my steam says


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29 Jul 2008, 6:35 pm

Uhmmm....this sounds normal for most of the kids on the spectrum to me. I also think some of those things sound normal for all 17 year old kids.
I guess normal is relative.....LOL.

What's normal for people on the spectrum may not be normal for people who are not. It's all relative.


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Tortuga
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29 Jul 2008, 6:47 pm

roygerdodger wrote:
To not have a lot of NT abilites, like holding down a real job....


I knew an adult male who had Aspergers and he had a much better work ethic than I'll ever have. I know plenty of NT 20-somethings who are choosing not to work.



tomboy4good
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29 Jul 2008, 7:28 pm

roygerdodger wrote:
Is it normal for a 17-year-old to:

Still hate going to school.
Who stills likes stuff like cartoons and video games.
To not understand of be interested in stuff like everybody else (music, sports, current events, etc.)
To not understand social situations.
To not be over-materialistic.
To like something most of people find strange (AKA closing logos, TV idents, etc.)
Who always learns stuff differently from everybody else.
To not have a lot of NT abilites, like holding down a real job, like doing well with schoolwork and being social at the same time, etc.

And sometimes I feel left out or people think I'm a total weirdo because of those things.


When I was your age, I despised going to school. It wasn't the learning I hated so much as the unsupportive environment & feeling like a complete oddball. I am able to be more current now, but wasn't when I was 17. I still like cartoons & video games. Still don't have a clue about socializing. Also not materialistic, other people find my interests boring, never learned the way"I was supposed to," & it's only the last few years that I have had a steady job.

I guess what I am saying is all in good time! Just be patient with yourself!


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GodsWonder
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29 Jul 2008, 8:00 pm

I am 19 and all those describe me so I think you are in a pretty good stance at the age of 17.



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29 Jul 2008, 8:39 pm

I think the better word for it is "conventional". No, it is not conventional for a 17 year old. But conventions are boring.


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GizmoGirl
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29 Jul 2008, 9:10 pm

roygerdodger wrote:
Is it normal for a 17-year-old to:

Still hate going to school.
Who stills likes stuff like cartoons and video games.
To not understand of be interested in stuff like everybody else (music, sports, current events, etc.)
To not understand social situations.
To not be over-materialistic.
To like something most of people find strange (AKA closing logos, TV idents, etc.)
Who always learns stuff differently from everybody else.
To not have a lot of NT abilites, like holding down a real job, like doing well with schoolwork and being social at the same time, etc.

And sometimes I feel left out or people think I'm a total weirdo because of those things.


Well let's see Im 25 and married and I am just like you. Is it normal? Normal to who? other people? the world? who cares!! As long as your happy...Everyone has their idea of what normal is...I can say without a doubt that 99.9% of people on this earth are not normal...they may think they are normal but their not...normal is what we make it...if everyone for an example would wear their clothes inside out then it would be normal because everyone is doing it but if only 1 person or just a handfull of people are doing it then for some reason it's not "normal"...as i said normal is what you make of it....as far as you list of things:

Im in college i hate college I hate school but i have to do it because i need a good job..even though i hate it and i have to force myself to go..

I love cartoons i watch the disney channel all day everyday I play video games,I have stuffed animals,i play with legos,I love neopets,I love board games,i love going to the toy store.

I dont always understand sports,the news,ect either so your not alone on that either

I never understand social things i dont even know how i got married :lol: I guess because he is just like me so it works because we understand each other..i cant see a "normal" person wanting to marry someone like me..i think i would drive them nuts with all my routines hahah

I am far from materilistic...i dont really go for name brand items i dont wear name brand clothes and make this big deal over the fancy cars or video games or the latest ipod craze..

I like things that most people would think are "strange" as well like logos on t shirts, or items in the store, i love the look of packaged items in the stores, i like to look at the lights on the gameshows.

I learn thing different then most all the time..i cant just be told or even shown how to do something Ihave to be 1.shown 2.told 3.do it as they are doing that while looking at apicture of it LOL so nope i dont learnt the same either

I dont have any NT ablities other then being able to type my thoughts really well..i dont work because i cant focus well with all the lights and sounds and people...people make me really nerveous and scared im not sure what im supposed to do or act around people...i do ok in college because i just read the books and take my notes i dont talk to anyone and dont want to talk to anyone i only talk to my family and even that is hard at times for me...I rock,i flap,I spin,lights and water i love, i dont wear jeans,i hate being barefoot unless in water...so i dont have many NT qualities....

The bottom line if your happy that is all that matters...dont listen to what other people may say about you...just be happy and that is what matters and it is easy to say that but then not to do it..but try to not listen to people who make fun of you or laugh at you because its your life and you are what matters not other people.... :D I hope that helped ya...and you can always PM me anytime...

Jessie


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30 Jul 2008, 12:30 am

I wouldn't worry too much kid. It's hard to define normal. So many people have problems :-)