Reactions to telling people you're on the spectrum?

Post Reply New Topic

I'm talking about telling people when you got the diagnosis. For me there has been virtually no response. I think 'indifference' would be the right word to use.

I can understand my stepdaughter being quite matter of fact about it as she had said she thought I had autistic traits.
My brother gave a brief response but hasn't been in contact since then.
There's been no response from my father and sister.

"I could have told you that",

"I don't think anyone is that surprised really"

" I think I'm probably autistic too"

I'm sure they wouldn't be surprised. Most people suspect I'm different, anyway.

Mostly neutral response.
Some surprise.
One, from favourite close friend:"Well, it explains some things you do and don't do."

I told a friend of mine I might be autistic and she said that it didn't matter to her. I wonder if a man I might date, if I were ever that fortunate, would be so understanding.

By far the most common response "you don't look autistic"

People in the field don't look surprised

A couple of my friends said "I can see that." The reaction I liked best was when my wife told her sister, "I could have told him that 20 years ago! I thought he knew!" My counselor (who I believe works with autistic children) said "I'm frustrated that I didn't see this."