Neurodivergent members of Talk Elections.

[FairBol]

Diagnosed with Asperger's back in, like, 2004-05, when I was 3. I spent, like, 14-15 years as a literal neurodivergent minor, and now not even my neurodivergence is a minor.

Asperger's is now known as "high-functioning autism".  I know, because I have it. 

[FairBol]

Diagnosed with Asperger's back in, like, 2004-05, when I was 3. I spent, like, 14-15 years as a literal neurodivergent minor, and now not even my neurodivergence is a minor.

If you don't mind me asking, how does it affect you in life?

Working is... a struggle. I lasted two months at the Amazon sort center before I couldn't take it anymore. I was starting to get the hang of being a Walgreens temp, but flunked the pre-employment questionnaire for a permanent position because I was too honest with my answers. At this point, I'm wondering if I should just take the L and see about going on disability.

I feel you on that one.  Personally, I'm definitely capable of working; one might even say that certain jobs are "right up my alley". 

The thing is, nobody seems to want to take a chance and employ me.  Even when I apply for the "up my alley" jobs, companies will acknowledge receiving my application...then they never get back to me. 

I'm not sure why this is; perhaps something about me rubs them the wrong way? Or maybe they think that if they employed someone who is "disabled", they'd have to spend extra money on the old "reasonable accommodations"...and don't want to do it because of that. 

Seriously though, I'm in the same boat.  At this point, I've pretty much said "F it, I'll do my own thing".  So I'm self-employed, LOL. 

[FairBol]

Diagnosed with Asperger's back in, like, 2004-05, when I was 3. I spent, like, 14-15 years as a literal neurodivergent minor, and now not even my neurodivergence is a minor.

Asperger's is now known as "high-functioning autism".  I know, because I have it. 

Yeah, but I was calling it what it was called then. I call it autism most of the time myself.

Ah, OK. 

[FairBol]

I have been diagnosed with a lot of mental illnesses... I am "not well" to use the old phrase.

I've tried to kill myself too many times and I've paid a terrible price along the way.

I have social anxiety, I don't like being around people most of the time, I have hardly any social life to speak of, and there seems to be no future ahead for me except going to see my counselors and weekly therapist.

I'm surprised so many here are bravely and honestly being open about themselves, it does make you feel less alone...

Such highly intelligent people on this forum, very knowledgable, and very passionate about what they believe in. 

Damn.  Hang in there; it gets better, I promise.