I don't like the us vs. them mentality that I often see here as well as on many other autism sites. I know this might be considered a radical view, but I don't really view people as either normal or on the spectrum most of the time. I see each member of the human race existing on some sort of continum with quirky/odd people on one side and hypernormalized people who can't tolerate any kind of difference on the other.
I say this because I know plenty of people who can have AS-like traits, yet definitely not fall on the spectrum...some of the people I'm friends with or have dated had perhaps one or two characteristics of AS but hardly the whole picture...and lately I think I fall into this category as well. I see AS and autism as manifestations of quirky and odd behaviour being pulled towards one extreme where it is so significant that it causes an effect on one's functioning.
Just because someone is NT doesn't mean they don't struggle socially or with other aspects of themselves...I know plenty of people who aren't on the spectrum who do this. I know, however, that there is a certian subgroup of so-called neurotypicals whom just don't accept differences in people well, and I think the brunt of AS frustration is directed towards them, because no matter how you explain something like AS to them, they just don't get it.
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Given a “tentative” diagnosis as a child as I needed services at school for what was later correctly discovered to be a major anxiety disorder.
This misdiagnosis caused me significant stress, which lessened upon finding out the truth about myself from my current and past long-term psychiatrists - that I am a highly sensitive person but do not have an autism spectrum disorder
My diagnoses - anxiety disorder, depression and traits of obsessive-compulsive disorder (all in remission).
I’m no longer involved with the ASD world.