I've just recently accepted my diagnosis and started to learn how autism affects me. I hate feeling like I am living inauthenticly, and I would like my friends to understand me better. Yet, I worry that their preconceived notions would get in the way, and that that would cause them to understand me LESS if I disclosed my diagnosis. They might make assumptions about me that are not true based on stereotypes. Things that they consider fun quirks might suddenly become symptoms of a "disease", and therefore bad. Instead of an odd-but-in-a-good-way person, I might suddenly become "disordered" in their eyes. While I have my struggles, I like being who I am. I don't want to be pitied or looked down on, even if it by people with good intentions.
I've considered telling my autistic friends, but have not had the opportunity yet.