kkyndall2 wrote:
Hi. I am an 18 year old female (just turned a few days ago), and I was diagnosed with Level 1 ASD, but I have noticed I can read social cues pretty well. I understand body language, and am even sometimes fascinated by it. Is this possible? Am I a rare case?
I should mention, I do fit the criteria in other ways such as experiencing anxiety when my routine is changed, having sensory issues (albeit mild and very manageable), and possibly having "special interests".
I was always considered odd and weird growing up. I was the quiet kid. My social life was alright as a young kid, but it got difficult in my early to late teens, and it still is. I often mimic or copy others in order to fit in. It doesn't feel genuine and is very lonely. I dislike socializing and feel better engaging in an interest or spending time alone. People feel too difficult so I stay away. That's the extent of my social issues. Also, the only body language difference I have or have had would be laughing or smiling at strange times and being uncomfortable with eye contact to the point where I can feel it physically.
Any insight is lovely. Thank you.

I'm 53 and I was diagnosed last year. You sound very similar to the way I was growing up. I was always 'that quirky girl'. People thought I was weird but I did have friends and people liked me.
I was quite good at reading social cues but that was because I was at school/college/university and got lots of practice. Also my parents were very sociable and we had constant parties, holidays, events so I got lots of social experience. Studying body language is very, very helpful.
Since I was about 35 though, my life has been very quiet and so I've lost the social skills I once had. I hope that doesn't happen to you.
I'm not sure where I'm going with this, but I mean you are not alone. I hope you get more support than I did, which was basically zero, even after diagnosis. I've just been muddling along.
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That alien woman. On Earth to observe and wonder about homo sapiens.