Harvard came out with a study that people automatically have an unconscious bias against autistic individuals. So you don’t even need to tell them you’re autistic.
It’s like the herd mentality. Maybe a sheep is born slightly different and the rest of the herd avoids them as a survival instinct.
But you aren’t a sheep. You are a person that has been diagnosed with autism. People are still unfortunately hardwired to perceive difference and distance themselves whether they realize it or not. This is why it’s unconscious. A built in mechanism to ensure survival.
So in my eyes we are autistic fighting against a survival mechanism that is not needed anymore.
That sucks
How to handle it?
You WILL have things in common with different individuals. Pursue those friendships and keep going.
BE SELECTIVE. EVEN IF you have no friends. There are people that will come and go and you get to choose who stays in your close circle.
DON’T MASK when starting conversations. If they are genuine then you should not have to hide who you are.
ESTABLISH BOUNDARIES. You aren’t being mean when you do this. Boundaries are important for any healthy relationships.
FIND COMMON interests! This is where you will make true friendships. Whether it be photography, video games, rpg’s. People are out there that will share your interests, specific language and humor.
Most importantly.. DON’T GIVE UP. There are so many people out there right now that you haven’t met. I find you bump into the people that mean the most when you aren’t really looking. Give yourself the patience and understanding that you are worthwhile friend to someone. You just haven’t met them yet. But you will.
Breezyintheshire