I was tested for Austin when I was younger and I was told I was on the spectrum. I was offered extra help in school and all that, but I always refused it because I figured I'd never get that same help in real life, and it was probably better just to work twice as hard. For the same reason I don't care for any legal protections. I wouldn't take them even if I was offered. But I haven't been formally diagnosed with anxiety or depression. It's extremely clear to anyone who's spent time with me that I suffer from both. I just don't see the benefit of being diagnosed as I don't want any special help, or to take drugs to treat something that I don't see any a character flaw.
1. Yeah, I take pride in being a bit different. That being said, I'm very aware that going too far isn't a good thing if I still want to relate to others.
2. I guess this is really the answer I'm looking for. I don't want to be "normal", I want to be myself yet not be rejected by people professionally. I guess in reality the only way to do that is offer something special.
3. Oh man, I have so many canned responses for everything. My issue is that sometimes when I'm having a rough day I don't care enough to pretend I care about what I'm saying. I find a forced response like, "Oh wow, that sounds cool! Tell me more!" quickly becomes, "oh. Cool."