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Autism feels like being an adult as a child and a child as an adult

31 replies

ofwarren · 07/01/2023 23:10

I've just seen this posted on Reddit and I totally relate!

As a child I was "gifted" always ahead of my peers and didn't enjoy playing with them. I would much rather talk to adults about all sorts of topics.

As an adult I just don't relate to other adults at all. I was just reading a post on here about things that bring you comfort and I just feel so alien to all the other posters.
I enjoy pastimes which are seen as childish, my clothing is seen as childish and my body language too.

Anyone relate?

OP posts:
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BlackeyedSusan · 31/01/2023 15:39

I've just been behind my age all my life...still waiting to feel like a grown up. Looking forward to being a little old lady that people take pity on and help!

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BlackeyedSusan · 31/01/2023 15:41

Life is just so hard. Even simple things are difficult and a major achievement.

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Craftycorvid · 01/02/2023 20:32

@BlackeyedSusan here’s to being lively and curious little old ladies who are still amazed by life! I hope there are people to look after us - a community.

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ijphoo · 04/02/2023 09:23

This is a very interesting thread. As a child, I was not gifted, but teachers would comment on my 'maturity'. I think what they really saw was my inability to join in with children's games at primary school, and the inability to join in with banter etc at secondary school.

Due to a whole range of factors, I never reached many of the expected milestones of adult life. However, as other posters have said, that can be a good thing.

I work from home in a field that is also my special interest. This is fantastic, and the home working context allows me to embrace my inner child. I have 'invisible friends' that have grown up with me since childhood, and I can run through any problems I have with them. They are a really important coping mechanism for me. I treat myself to a whole array of bath gels, with fantastic names and aromas. I also do not really care, and never have cared about fashion or material possessions. For me, being free from stress and enjoying my interests is far more important.

So yes, I can see what the original poster means.

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DollyDaydream55 · 05/02/2023 20:37

Thank you for this thread.

I do wish I knew you lot in real life. So much makes sense. It makes me realise that trying to “fit” with the neurotypical folk has been a lifelong and largely futile quest.

I’m glad you’re all out there. Somewhere.

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BrightWater · 05/02/2023 21:58

@DollyDaydream55 agree x

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