To ask if this happens to anyone else?

[Anxious001]

I am pretty sure I am autistic. Just not got the courage to go and get a formal diagnosis.
One thing I have noticed is that when people first meet me, they look immediately startled. I'm not an attractive woman but not so grotesque to be completely shocking so not sure it is that. I do have very green eyes so maybe something in that.
Just wondered if this happened to anyone else. It's before I even speak if that helps.

The exact same thing happens to me and to be honest I find it baffling. I'm a friendly and approachable looking person but this has always happens. People also assume I'm a totally different nationality aswell which baffles me even more

Yes I get the different nationality as well. Usually Kiwi due to my weird voice :(

It's weird as all I have to do is briefly walk into a room and I get the startled look from people. Maybe they are just mirroring my own expression but don't think I look worried or anything. Also don't think it's the piercing green eyes either. Got me feeling really paranoid.

@Anxious001 I relate so well. People either seem instantly fascinated with me or else I repel people, there doesn't seem to be any happy medium sometimes

I wish I knew what they were thinking. It's horrible to have that feeling like you are unsettling people.

I've noticed it's just something people do to others too so in a way I'm glad it's not just me, but either way it's kinda ignorant

I've only noticed it with myself so wonder if people are seeing something. Very unsettling.

I have this! And people on the street as well, I always am wondering why people seem mildly shocked when they look at me.

I can remember as a toddler getting upset when out and about because I said people were staring at me. I'm autistic and on reflection think I'm just hyper sensitive to people around me and am reading too much into expressions.

If I had spoken first then I would maybe understand as I do sound odd but it's usually just when I am introduced to someone. They will look startled and uneasy. Really horrible to be honest 😔

Is it that you are picking up on them feeling nervous about meeting some one new?

Does it happen with people you already know?

How are you with the start of a new book?
Do you like the start of a new film?

Wow, I thought I was the only one who had this happen! It is horrible and makes you feel paranoid. I do believe everyone has an aura, and maybe we have an aura that is more intense and powerful? Probably a stupid theory but it could be something like that. I also have green eyes, wouldn't say I'm stunning but also not ( I hope) hideously ugly. It's bizarre. Neighbours always look at me oddly when I'm just doing a normal thing like walking to my car or taking the bin out. I don't understand it and have felt it all my life. Sometimes it really gets me down and I feel ugly/freakish. Other times I get angry inside and think screw them. If we draw so much attention there must be something about us that is fascinating, and I guess it's a compliment in a way. Hard to think that though when you're having a low day and already feel inadequate.

A version of this happens to me whereby people decide I’m stand-offish based on my body language (or lack of it). My ‘take’ is that most neurotypical communication starts from the premise that, whilst language is slippery and with multiple possible layers of meaning, the true way to gauge someone’s intentions towards you is to check their facial expressions and body language. Because autistic people tend to combine ‘what you see is what you get’ verbal communication with non-‘standard’ body language (including tone of voice) I think we confuse the NTs. I know people have read all sorts of bizarre intent into my way of being around them - I think I’m some sort of human Rorsarch ink blot at times 😆 It can be painful and frustrating though, especially when someone doesn’t ask/check out what I’m actually thinking (clue: mostly exactly what I’m saying).

I often scare small children without doing anything that I think would scare small children.

I'm fine with this. Children should be wary around new adults.