4-year behind effect

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This makes so much sense to me! I have always felt like I'm emotionally/mentally younger than my actual age. I recently said this to my husband, and of course he said "Well everyone feels like that, I don't feel 32," but it's really not the same thing. I've only recently began to feel like I'm an adult, and I'm 27! I feel like I'm in my early 20s, and just now getting a handle on being an adult. And I can completely sympathize with Sainrith. Intellectually I was far beyond my years, and was capable of work above grade level though it was never offered. I see the same thing with my son, in all of his recent testing they found him to have a comprehension level 2-3 years above his age, with a maturity level two years below.

I'm definitely an opsimath.

My pre-teen brother (who doesn't know about my condition) is more socially advanced than I am... and the funny thing is that he's aware of it. Sometimes he's very useful because he "translates" things I don't pick up (sarcasm, "subtext", etc.) into spoken words for me

I'm just now learning to drive and going to college, so I'd say that I'm closer to 8 years behind. That makes sense, as I was still into Cartoons and Power Rangers and stuff in 10th grade.. and then was into video games and anime for a long period of time.. and only really started getting into "adult" things in the last 3-4 years, slowly. It doesn't help that I *look* like I'm 18 or 19 either.

This 4 year gap might be a personal marker for you but it's very close to my social development in younger years. And out of nowhere my way of thinking changes about a year ago and I've fast forwarded so much but not caught up, so not only is it difficult to gel with most NT's..it's also awkward talking to many aspies because I've overcome a lot of old social difficulties and might feel a bit intimidating.

I feel exactly the same way. I still feel awkward when someone mentions sex or drugs, even when I swear I feel I shouldn't. People call me innocent and it's really patronizing because I want to be taken seriously. Any tips on how I can loosen these 'rules' which are in my head so I don't feel so awkward when in these situations :S . Btw i'm 17

lol don't feel you have to talk about it. I still don't talk about sex or drugs very much even now let alone swear. It really doesn't prove anything about innocence. I've done those things but no one sees me screaming about it. I find when people do it a lot it's out of fascination (younger people) or insecurity (a need to compensate).

Maybe that's why some of us get along better with people younger than us. I am not prepared to be 20 years old yet I am.