One that comes to mind for me: “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is not always true. Maybe even only half the time! Are there any phrases you tend to hear and shake your head at?
One that comes to mind for me: “Whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” is not always true. Maybe even only half the time! Are there any phrases you tend to hear and shake your head at?
As someone who self identifies as on the spectrum ( I’m over 60, so I doubt I’m going to be tested, but I have many – but not all – typical autism traits), I would say that it’s true for me. I have never been close to people, even my own family. I’ve never had a very good friend, and when I move away from people, I typically don’t keep in touch.
Foe example, both my parents died in the past 2 years, and while I feel a sense of loss, no strong emotions. If I lost my wife or children, I think I would continue without feeling significant trauma. I know that I’m supposed to be devastated by those kinds of losses, but it just doesn’t happen. I don’t really have strong attachments to anything or anyone.
I don’t think I’m a bad person, it’s just the way I’m wired. I don’t like to see people suffer, and I have a strong aversion to conflict, so I don’t believe I’m a sociopath.
So count me In as one of the people who believes that autism can be related to a lack of empathy, based on personal experience.
I think this right here is empathy. The fact that you have a wife and kids who you presumably have emotional attachment to also suggests you can understand their feelings.
Just because you don’t respond to feelings in the same way as a neurotypical person doesn’t mean you don’t feel them.