What do you want NT's to know about Autism?

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You didn't offend; I just felt like clearing up a misconception about asexuals.

Not being interested in sex = asexual; not being interested in partnering = aromantic.

Many asexuals are just as interested in finding that one special person as many sexuals are (though it can be much more difficult since it's estimated that only 1% of the population is asexual and an asexual/sexual partnering can be, understandably, fraught with difficulties.)

I'm a panromantic asexual and the idea that just because I don't want sex automatically means I don't want emotional intimacy or partnering with someone is one of the biggest misconceptions I have to deal with. Often, it affects my life even more than the misconceptions I have to deal with as an autistic.

Okay that makes sense.

1. I'm not a ret*d, I don't need that patronising tone.
2. I do have empathy, plenty of it too.
3. I don't want to "broaden my horizons", I don't care how one track minded I am.

Autism is not a life sentence and not to give their money to Autism Speaks.

That many of us do crave social interaction and just don't appear to because we don't give off the right signals
That our intelligence levels vary; we are not all ret*d and we are not all geniuses
That many famous people had or probably had autism. Many of us have great potential, and people shouldn't give up on us just because we're autistic
That things that don't bother most people can have a powerful effect on us because we process things differently

1. That just because NT's may not feel overwhelmed by certain sensory stimuli doesn't mean that I won't be.

2. There are certain situations that make me non-functional.

3. I can sometimes be too black and white and not consider others emotions.

Ha! Exactly what I would have written.

Could people just embrace these four points about us? (thinking of my SO) Sheesh.

1) That this is a profound systemic difference - looking at it as a 'social skill issue' and then expecting things to work differently based on social knowledge is absurdly superficial. For anything they fundamentally know of themselves that they may like or dislike but couldn't change to save their own lives - its a point of reference from which they may be able to relate somewhat.

2) I wish they understood this about all differences in general - no one wakes up one day and decides that they wish to bring persecution on themselves. To understand a difference, rather than ask 'what would make me desire to act like that' as its a futile question, might be more insightful to ask 'what would force me to act like that? What would life feel like?'. That sort of hypothetical reasoning can't answer all questions but its a big step in aiming one's intuitions in the right direction.

3) Many have gotten better at this but I'd still reiterate: Don't confuse presence with identity. When you do that you burn a lot of great potential bridges.

just because I dont often make eye contact does not mean that I am not listening or that I have "issues" I just dont know how to make an appropate gaze in the eyes for the right amount of time.

when I stim...just ignore it. I cant think well without movement...its like priming a well.

We are not insensitive on unempathetic, we simply express emotions differently than you. Some of us have a lot of trouble expressing emotions but that doesn't mean that we don't have emotions.

If I tell you I am autisitic, it is not a cry for help. I just want you to understand why I act a certain way or do certain things. If I want therapy, I'll see a therapist.

That segregation in adulthood for those with disability in employment and social integrations is going to be ending soon and you will be hearing from me and others soon.

If you cannot handle a whoopie cushion prank and are offended by the similarity of common human expression like so I am unable to be your friend until you lighten up but just don't lighten a match if it is a real one.

If you are stuck up and a butt head I'll still accept you for who you are and won't demand your accepting me for how I am.

All autistics are different, knowing one person with an ASD does not make you an expert on autism or an expert on autistic people.

Aspergers is more than severe shyness, people can overcome shyness but no amount of self help books will make me want to introduce myself to strange people (which is something I ABSOLUTELY HATE!)

Aspies need some time to themselves once in a while; loneliness does not equal misery, if it's for a short time.

Autism is not a disease or an illness and I am not a tragedy.