On autistic spectrum, best way to live?

Question

I've been highly logical and obsessive with reading since early childhood, and I got into programming pretty early and built Flash animation since kindergarten. I've always had issues with my peers and teachers, I got bullied quite often, and it was a source of emotional distress. I felt the constant need to work on things that intrigues me, and I'd read books like encyclopedia, I didn't know that then, but I now suspect myself to be on the spectrum. I believe many in the HN community have or suspected themselves to be on a spectrum as well? It's pretty traumatizing growing up because most other kids don't think the way you do, this usually means your teachers don't think like you as well. I used to think it's purely based on the metrics of intelligence alone, but now it seems it's more to do with being on the spectrum. If you've been on the spectrum as well, what's your best advice, and what's your suggestion on managing that? I want to hear life stories and general advices, should I get a proper diagnosis?

qazxcvbnmlp · Accepted Answer

A diagnosis can be helpful if you don't know whats going on and to connect with support. Otherwise try to avoid falling into the trap of wanting the world to cater to you because of a condition (it wont). But importantly by expecting the world to change or treat you different you become blind to the situations which naturally work better.
Theres lots of careers, jobs, etc that work well for being on the spectrum. Sometimes it can even be an advantage.
Ive seen people on all levels of the spectrum go on to have families, relationships, successful careers etc.
Realize the way you relate to the experiences as a kid will change over time.

general1465 · Answer

Months of social hibernation followed by few weeks of social exploration.