I'm autistic. Can I ever make true friends?

[Chopsticks]

I'd like to start off by saying that I have a form of autism that was previously known as "Asperger's Syndrome".

Basically, I feel that anyone that I talk to is just trying to be nice (or not). Some people are either TOO nice (like they're being fake), or they're just straight-up rude. How can I make and keep friends when I have autism?
Some of the symptoms of this disorder include:

* Difficulty maintaining eye contact
* Difficulty managing social situations
* Unable to respond appropriately in verbal interactions
* Unable to decipher facial expressions or body language
* Unable to show emotions, may seem emotionally robotic
* May focus solely on their own needs
* Focus in on specific subjects they are interested in. Usually the topic is very literal.
* Resistant to change. May expect the same thing to occur day after day.
(Notes taken from https://healthery.com/diseases-condi...CAAEgJk4PD_BwE)

I unfortunately wasn't diagnosed until the age of 13. I had shown symptoms ever since I was around 6 months old, but the doctor said that I'd outgrow it. I never did. So, I had never received early treatment for the disorder, which is crucial for living anything close to a "normal" life.


The thing is: I REALLY do care for other people's feelings, I just don't know how to help. I feel so trapped. Much like a paraplegic person can't fully move their body, I can't fully use my mind. It's damaged, permanently from autism. I feel hopeless and so, so lonely :'( Please help me.

[kaku]

I only have the first 2 "symptoms" that you have. I still have some friends.
You just need to find someone similar to you, or someone who can accept you for who you are.
It may take time, but it sure is worth.

[Chopsticks]

I only have the first 2 "symptoms" that you have. I still have some friends.
You just need to find someone similar to you, or someone who can accept you for who you are.
It may take time, but it sure is worth.

I had to stop high school, mainly due to severe social anxiety and autism. I just don't know if someone who's even similar to me would want to be my friend

[imaginary]

* Difficulty maintaining eye contact
* Unable to show emotions
I can relate a little bit.

[Minho]

Honestly, if you really want these "true" friends, just do you. These people showing you these exaggerated contacts are "friends" you just simply let go, these true friends you're looking for will come soon. just do you and you only, no need to act normal for the wrong bunch of individuals.

never change for temporary people.

[Chopsticks]

Honestly, if you really want these "true" friends, just do you. These people showing you these exaggerated contacts are "friends" you just simply let go, these true friends you're looking for will come soon. just do you and you only, no need to act normal for the wrong bunch of individuals.

never change for temporary people.

Thank you. That's good advice. I will try to just be myself.

[MJ4]

I don't think you can grow out of austism. Well , it's quite rare if you did. I think it gets worse or less when your growing up

[Chopsticks]

I don't think you can grow out of austism. Well , it's quite rare if you did. I think it gets worse or less when your growing up

Yeah, it's only gotten worse for me so I'm very sad and lonely.

[MJ4]

Yeah, it's only gotten worse for me so I'm very sad and lonely.

ive got 2 cousins that have austism and it's quite sad. So I'm not sure what to do

[Chopsticks]

ive got 2 cousins that have austism and it's quite sad. So I'm not sure what to do

So I probably am just a lost cause?