Those of you who are within the asd spectrum, what's something that is difficult to you that is hard for a nt to understand?

[Silent_cries]

Personally, I think the fact that common everyday routines that nt's would easily blast through everday takes me alot more effort and energy than with them is the hardest for them to understand. For example when taking a shower, I have to memorize the order I'm supposed to do things and what I'm supposed to do, and I have to take it step by step as my brain isn't as quick as a nt's brain. I can't easily blast through it all and know exactly what I'm supposed to do like a nt. I actually have to use my brain to get through it. This is why it's frustrating when nt's says things like "But it's quick and easy, it only takes 2 mins" or the like. Yes, it might be that easy to you, but that doesn't mean it is to me. My brain just doesn't work the same and I can't help it, it's not my fault. :/

I also really hate it when people tell me different things, like for example if someone says I'm allowed to do something, and then someone else tells me I'm not. This stresses me out a lot, because how am I supposed to know who's in the right and what I'm actually supposed to do? How would anybody know?

 

[ijustwishtodie]

I think that NTs are unable to understand that I am more sensitive to suffering and that I have less energy on my plate. They don't understand that I'm not able to deal with all of the demands that society has or that I don't want to deal with the demands that society has

 

[skyflame]

im the same in regards to showering, there are so many friggin' steps to do and afterwards as well.
I think a lot of NTs don't understand how much emotion we feel, and for me I don't even know what I'm feeling it's just super intense and it feels like I could explode. But hey, some DBT skills should help right?!
Also, when they say "well everyone gets (insert emotion here) when XYZ happens" like DUDE you have no idea stfu.
This turned into a little vent, sorry. Hope you're doing ok, OP. I'm right there with you in this confusing and messed up world.

 

[NoPoint2Life]

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is an NT?
I relate to this heavily. I am not autistic, but have contamination OCD. It adds steps to absolutely everything. The shower example is a great one. It absolutely baffles me how someone can shower shampoo and get dressed within 10 minutes. It takes me so long. There are so many steps. I'm sorry you all feel this way but I'm glad to see i am not alone when I wonder why everyone else seems to do things so much quicker and it takes me so much longer to do the simplest thing.

 

[skyflame]

Please excuse my ignorance, but what is an NT?
I relate to this heavily. I am not autistic, but have contamination OCD. It adds steps to absolutely everything. The shower example is a great one. It absolutely baffles me how someone can shower shampoo and get dressed within 10 minutes. It takes me so long. There are so many steps. I'm sorry you all feel this way but I'm glad to see i am not alone when I wonder why everyone else seems to do things so much quicker and it takes me so much longer to do the simplest thing.

That's ok, NT stands for neurotypical so most people's brains function in this way as opposed to neurodivergent thinking i.e autism, ADHD, dyslexia etc.
I think OCD definitely has some crossover with autism. I need more time for processing too :)

 

[Silent_cries]

Ikr! There is no way in hell I'd be able to shower in 10 mins. I might be able to do 15 mins minimum without cleaning my hair or 20 with cleaning my hair if I'm lucky and don't get distracted too often. That's also one of the reasons I tend to be slow btw. I get distracted very easily and I happen to be a huge daydreamer as well. I've probably lost count by now on how many times I've found myself caught up in a day dream or contemplating about random things when I'm supposed to hurry and thus forgetting to do whatever I'm supposed to do. It's not that I mean to do it either, I just can't help it. It just happens unintentionally. My mind is like a reckless child that likes to wander off instead of doing what it's supposed to do and it's a struggle tbh. I always hate myself for it too. It makes me feel that I'm irresponsible without wanting to be. See, I often get late for things because of this... :(

I also have ocd btw, and I absolutely know what you mean. Back when I was unwell it definitely made everything take even longer, and even more energy to do as well. I often found myself avoiding to do things in order to avoid my rituals due to exhaustion. Thankfully it's not that much of an issue anymore as my ocd is currently in remission. I still have some compulsions but they're relatively mild and not as intrusive as they used to be thankfully. I hope yours get better too tbh. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.
Nt means Neurotypical aka someone who doesn't have a nerological condition, eg. autism, tourettes, adhd etc. btw. :)

 

[ilikehamsters]

Not officially diagnosed with anything on the spectrum, but i have DCD(Developmental co-ordination disorder) and the cross-over with that and other problems is apparently very high but the waiting times and doctors leaving meaning i've not go around to getting tested (last time i looked it was a 2 year+ waiting list)

But i need very clear instructions as well, but the biggest thing is being told because i'm "clumsy"to "slow down and focus and don't make a mess" then being told "You are too slow do it faster" can't fucking win.