re: #380 HappyWarrior

Well I can’t speak for them but I think a lot of them see their different neurodiversity as a source for their unique identity and that’s something I empathize with but at the same time, I’d love to be able to do things like make eye contact without thinking about it or the other “normal” things but at the same time, my obsessions do drive me in a way. I want more research overall because I think it’s important we understand.

Yes, I get that. I’ve always had trouble with eye contact w/strangers, but I think that’s a defense for me.

I’m not autistic, but was a shy, introverted child with few social skills and as a very young teen was so fearful of my dad that my hands shook, as was my sister. We also moved around a lot. I never took any kids to our home and my sister may have brought 1 or 2 over the years (some of that was embarrassment at our living situation and disapproval by our dad). We didn’t even think it very unusual because, being kids, we thought everyone lived that way. I think you used to see a lot more kids like that, since today’s kids seem a lot more social and confident—or maybe I don’t get out much. : )