I see this on Imgur and Bluesky as well. Here’s a great example, and the one that prompted me to finally ask. My daughter has autism and ADHD. She takes speed to slow down. Best friend is ADHD, same deal. But they’re basically “normal” people. I’m truly sorry is this comes off as insensitive.
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It’s normal to be aware of how people perceive us. We are apes. Need I elaborate?
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We ALL mess up more when someone is watching. Forget the word, but it’s a well-known psychological tic.
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Yes, we all conform and hide parts of ourselves in public, doesn’t mean you can’t “be yourself”. Want to see someone who doesn’t mask at all? Trump.
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If you’re not aware of threats, Darwin would like a word. And yes, many things we perceive as threats are dumb monkey perceptions. We’re all silly in this way.
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Uh, I double check my door locks. Not paranoid, but my situation in America makes that a simple, smart move. Some people live around lots of strangers, checking your private space is a normal thing.
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We all hate being stared at. That’s a monkey threat. We evolved that way.
The “suspicious sounds” thing is the only part I’d pick out as a bit strange. But who hasn’t jumped when the ice maker kicks in? I’ve often thought someone crawled in the dog door. (A bear did one time, a hybrid wolf another, so let me slide on that one.)
I can go on /c/autism and pick 100 other memes for examples. Almost every single thing I see there, “Yeah, we all go though that/feel that way/do that thing.” Here’s one:
https://piefed.cdn.blahaj.zone/posts/6k/Lb/6kLbDigyQuftk4k.jpg
Doesn’t everyone do that now and again?! I feel like I’m taking crazy pills.
Serious questions:
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Does lemmy have an above normal number of autistic/ADHD people?
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Is this perception a way for young people to feel special and different?
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Maybe young people don’t realize just how fucking weird growing up is and think they have a problem?
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Do people not realize that even after adulthood, we all have weird foibles?
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Are people so socially isolated that they think their weird thoughts are uncommon?
Just want to start the discussion. Help me understand.


Your daughter does not take “speed”. Educate yourself.
These are genetic disorders. Ask yourself, why it might be that you, who gave your daughter large parts of her genetic makeup, perceive her as “normal”.
Everybody pees. If you have to run to the loo every 5 minutes, see a doctor.
If I took her ADHD drugs, I’d be on speed. She takes them, she calms down. Yes, it’s speed, I’ve done loads, all kinds, I get it. Why else you think said drugs are so highly controlled? Shit’s nearly like meth to “normal” people.
Are you telling me to educate myself and implying there’s a genetic component to autism/ADHD? Imma need to see your notes.
Methylphenadate is chemically different from Methamphetamines. They are produced differently. They are processed in different ways by the body. They have different effects on the brain. And most importantly, they are prescribed from a medical professional.
You’re perpetuating an incredibly harmful stigma that directly impacts the lives of those struggling with ADHD, including your loved ones.
My brother in Christ, you could be a supportive father, and instead you’re posting comments like this. Be better. She’s getting controlled substances from licensed healthcare professionals, there is a reason for that. Fuck off with the speed comments.
Your judgement seems baseless and irrational. Be better.
Ratio
It’s only baseless and irrational if you cannot follow the extremely basic conversation…
So you acknowledge that the medication your daughter takes does something beneficial to her brain that it doesn’t do for “normal” people yet you still question whether there really is anything “not normal” with her?
I don’t understand your second paragraph.