If you are NT

[Ohwhatusernamethough]

Do you instantly recognise a ND person?

Sort of related to a thread on here currently, I find it quite fascinating.
I suspect I’m probably ND and wonder if NT people recognise an ND person pretty much immediately? If so, how, what do you see?

People may think the recognise ND people but unless they know everyone medical background (incl people who haven’t been diagnosed) how would they know if they were right?

ND includes a whole host of conditions including autism, adhd, dyslexia and DCD.

I’m mainly referring to Autism and Adhd

It’s a really broad spectrum even for autism. Would you recognise someone as ND?

Only if they announce it up front. Which isn’t that rare.

I assumed I was NT but have a lot of ND family members. I would say I’m quick to spot ND in others and am starting to wonder if I am ND.

I couldn’t describe to you what I see in others. It’s possible I hang around when others have lost patience and so see ‘more’ than people who would lose interest and walk away.

ND person here.. NT’s tend to be boring lol

I think it’s actually more likely that a (diagnosed or self-suspecting) ND person may recognise an ND person as they are probably more aware of common traits and have done extensive reading on their own specific ‘category’(?) and perhaps others.

NT people may have less awareness if they don’t know of anybody who is ND and just assume that person is ‘odd’ or rude 🤷‍♀️

No. I sometimes want to ask someone if they're autistic if they're extremely literal, overly interested in detail or reply to other people's remarks with long-winded tales about themselves. I wouldn't, though, it's rude. I try to make allowances, such as avoiding metaphors and jokes.

I'm probably not NT myself, so you might want to ignore me!

I can, but I don’t think most people do. Occasionally it’s taken a while for the mask to slip when they’ve become comfortable around me though!

edit - to say I’ve spent a lot of time understanding adhd and autism in both adults and children

If someone wrote that about ND people, they'd be hounded. Why is it OK the other way round?

I wouldn’t lose sleep over it lol

Fat people - thin people vibe isn’t it.

poor people - rich people

povvo - ra ra

Comprehensive schools - private schools

One way criticism is acceptable.. but the other way all hell breaks loose.. hypocrisy at its finest.

I would take anyone who is NT saying that they can ‘instantly recognise’ if someone is ND with a huge pinch of salt tbh. It often takes actual professionals longer than that to diagnose someone so if anyone thinks they can spot ND immediately, they’re probably talking out of their arse and just like going around labelling everyone.

I'm autistic and I read somewhere that nt can instantly tell when someone in the social situation is autistic, although they register it as 'weird'

That's been my experience as well x

No definitely not.

Its hard because their are a significant amount of undiagnosed people wandering around and their is also diagnosed nd people who really have their poop in a group so hide it well. I think if you know the person quite well it can be obvious and obviously extreme cases are obvious. Their are certain people I know who I would put money on them being nd but I could be wrong.

Surely it’s the whole punching up/down thing? Sometimes the privilege isn’t that obvious and it gets messy. Generally though…

There's nothing to "lol" about.

If I said "NT people are boring" I'd (rightly) come in for a slating, so why is it acceptable to say it the other way round? It's rude, unkind and unnecessary.

I work with children with autism and no, I don't think I can 'spot' autism in anyone. Over time when I get to know someone well I might think there are red flags for autism possibly.
Anyone who says they can tell if someone is ND is talking out of their arse.

Sometimes, but how can anyone know if they do every time? I mean, you generally won't know about the ones you don't recognise.

Just to add to what i wrote i think its easier to spot in adults then kids.

My heart bleeds for the marginalised normals :)

No. But idk I am NT or not tbh. I think I'd probably guess an inclination over it from getting friendly with them.

I think it's the opposite. I'm NT but my DC is ND. To me, DC appears NT. But my neighbour who is ND said she knew my DC was ND the first time she met them.

I was oblivious!

Often, yes. And no, I don't go round "talking out of my arse". There are often subtle signs, such as sensory responses, that indicate someone may be ND. I certainly don't judge, pigeonhole or label someone, but it is often more apparent than some may realise, if you have knowledge and experience of working with people with some ND.