I have autism and this fact has disturbed me greatly for some time, to the point its led me to some dark paths. I just want to know if I can actually live a normal life with it or am I doomed to be a weirdo forever?

  • Kinglink@lemmy.world
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    8 months ago

    Probably depends what level of autism you have or rather what type… But sure, just like you can live a good life with ADHD, having one leg, or just being an asshole.

    The trick with it is managing whatever traits life has given you on your stat sheet. If you’re autistic understand your limitations, figure out if there’s anything you can do and work on it. If you have trouble in social situations, work on that. If you anxious at times, work on that. Don’t be afraid of using medication to help with your symptoms if you can, and working with a therapists to improve the quality of your life (if that works, not going to say there’s a catch all solution). Find people who understand and accept you as well. Not everyone is going to like you… and I say that outside of this. Not everyone will be your friend, and that’s ok.

    Two things. Don’t let that be a crutch. Autism might be how you help people understand what you’re going through but don’t say “X is ok because I’m autistic” because you can always be better at certain things, it’s just that certain things may be harder. And always try to improve yourself.

    Also don’t take someone else’s definition of a “fulfilling life” If you want to enjoy video games instead of going out to a bar or drinking, and you’re happy with that choice, do it. If you want to be social instead of playing video games, and you’re happy with that choice do it. Just like there’s no one form of Autism there’s no one form of a “Fulfilling life”. Find a way to be happy… similarly there’s no such thing as a “Normal life” there’s a life you want to live, and strive for that.

    And besides we’re all weirdos on this planet, most of us just hide it better. You got this.

      • Kinglink@lemmy.world
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        8 months ago

        I have ADHD, and probably some minor form or Autism. (Just too old for it to be called that back in the day). A big part of all these things is learning how to cope with it. It’s what makes you different, but like I said, figure out what is a fulfilling life to you first, and then try to strive towards it.

        And I don’t mean this as a negative but consider therapy if you can find a way to do it. It sounds like you might need to talk to someone about this and that can be a great help. That can take time too, it took my daughter 3-4 therapists and almost a year to find the right person for her and it’s definitely helped her.

    • classic@fedia.io
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      8 months ago

      This post covers two key points that are integral to the question and worth really taking the time to absorb: first, fulfillment might informed by comparisons but is ultimately and ineluctably a personal journey. Second, acknowledge and work with your “stats” (i.e. autism) but don’t identify with it