Are you proud of being on the spectrum?

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Born in the 90's I'd have to say I disagree with this. I was born two years before they put Asperger syndrome in the DSM IV, and even when they did, it was an unspoken rule that it applied primarily to little boys, one of which I am not. Even today I read books by parents who are met with skepticism when they tell others their daughters are autistic. Growing up having no idea what was "wrong" with me made school, elementary school in particular, a nightmare. It was only after nineteen years of feeling like an outcast and poring through every diagnostics/disorders book I could find that I realised I had Asperger's, that I wasn't alone. Needless to say, yes, I am proud of being an aspie, not because of the label itself, but because of the perseverance and strength it represents. Most of us have to try twice as hard as everyone else (read; NT's) to get by in ordinary situations, yet somehow we manage it. A lot of amazing things would never have come about if it weren't for people with Asperger's; we are an impressive group.

I agree with this comment. I'm not really proud of having a condition I was born with. If anything I feel that it holds me back in some ways.

I'm proud of it in the same way that I'm proud to be an American. It's definitely a different sense of pride than the pride of making it through basic training and being in the military (though I was discharged a month and a half later).

Being on the spectrum is part of who I am and I'm proud of who I am.

I am proud of all the things I've achieved as an Aspie, despite the associated difficulties. Especially because a number of them would be impressive to the average NT and especially due to all the NTs who put me through hell and back because they couldn't cope with someone who exhibited Neurodiversity. In saying this, I think I need to go and kick some more NT ass (metaphorically speaking).

I guess it depends on how you define proud.

I am very proud of my diagnosis. Yes I have endured difficulties due to AS and I still do face some, but finding ways to get though these difficulties is what makes me a stronger better person. I love who I am today. I have an identity, thanks to the initiative socially and careerwise I have taken..

It's not something I take pride in, but I'm also not ashamed of it. Makes being a teenager a whole lot easier.

I like knowing *why* I am the way I am, and I love who I am, so... I guess so, yes ^_^

This.

No.

definitly NO

I wish nurotypicals would be proud of my autism.

Neither yes or no. It's just something you are. I find taking pride in it as being just as absurd as being proud of the color of skin you were born with. You did nothing to achieve it, therefore you have no right to be proud of it. However, it is not something I am ashamed as either. If asked then I would explain that I probably have aspergers. If someone doesn't like it then tough. Deal with it.

^This
And, likewise, I didn't DO anything to be autistic, so I'm not ashamed either

To me, it is more accepting who I am. I am proud to be an unique individual but I am not proud of how I am treated like a misfit by society

There isn't any consensus on NLD being on the spectrum but it's similar to AS in lots of ways so I'll answer. The way my mind works was a source of shame for me in the past. It made be feel pretty stupid when my naivety in new situations and my sometimes literal mind got me into trouble. Now the traits I have and the things I do make me laugh. When I watch tv characters with similar traits to me it makes me feel warm inside. I think it's a sign that I've started to accept myself.