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Many people discover, sometimes much later than expected, that they are not neurotypical, often because the signs were there, but just interpreted as, say, a fun, personal quirk. So we’ve gathered examples of neurodivergent and ADHD traits that people thought were just “normal” behaviors for the longest time.

An important note, don’t diagnose yourself from an online list, many of these behaviors are not necessarily exclusive to neurodivergence. Settle in as you scroll through, upvote your favorites and be sure to share your own experiences and thoughts in the comments down below.

#1

Young woman in casual clothes sitting thoughtfully on an armchair reflecting on neurodivergent experiences at home. “waiting mode”. if i have an appointment or something scheduled at like 3, my entire day will revolve around it. like i could wake up at 9 o clock and think no i cant watch a movie, what if it’s accidentally 8 hours long and i miss my appointment. i also will get ready for the appointment at like 11am and literally sit and wait until it’s time

𝕔𝕒𝕤𝕤𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕣𝕒 🪩 , Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels Report

StrangeOne
Community Member
1 day ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can't. It's like getting dressed up fancy just to sit on the couch or lay in bed. I fear if I start doing something else before the appointment I'll get so wrapped up that I'll lose track of time. I cannot plan any appointments after work. I'll forget about it last minute and go home, in autopilot. It has to be either during my shift hours because I'll be reminding when I have to leave, or just take the whole day off and plan the appointment for the morning, so I can get it out of the way, or plan it on the weekend.

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    #2

    Person organizing white ceramic plates on a shelf, illustrating themes related to neurodivergent experiences. Starting to clean an area, finding a thing that goes somewhere else, taking it there and seeing that area needs cleaning, start cleaning that area, finding a thing that goes somewhere else….

    Diane Kirkpatrick Egeland , cottonbro studio/Pexels Report

    Robert Trebor
    Community Member
    20 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Starting to.clean, finding a book, or a paper, or a map, and two hours later ...

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    #3

    I wasn’t diagnosed with adhd but is it normal to be reading a book and then realising you’re just thinking about something instead of reading so you have to go back.

    Crisqe Report

    meeeeeeeeeeee
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I cannae read a book, laddie. No idea what the last paragraph said. I can read online fine tho, weird.

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    #4

    Young man in a white shirt holding a pencil, appearing thoughtful and stressed while reflecting on neurodivergent traits. Being completely calm in a crisis, but having a total meltdown over the smallest thing

    wrenaubrey 😸☕️✍🏻♉️ 🏳️‍🌈 , Yan Krukau/Pexels Report

    #5

    I realized that, when someone tells me a story or something, I immediately think of a similar experience that fits to theirs and share it as soon as they’ve finished, which may come across as „me trying to make it about myself“, when in reality it’s my ADHD attempt to make them feel seen 🥺

    ÉASY (ÉSMaticx) 🌈 Report

    Nikole
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh I do this! I'm just trying to show them (and myself) that I can relate!

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    #6

    Young man with dreadlocks sitting outside on a bench, appearing thoughtful and reflecting on neurodivergent experiences. That not everyone’s brain was filled with random clips of music on a loop or a word repeating constantly or that sometimes… sometimes there’s SILENCE in others people’s heads… like whaaattt!? My flabbers were ghasted

    Jill🇨🇦 , Mental Health America (MHA)/Pexels Report

    meeeeeeeeeeee
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I doubt many have silence tbf...that's why everyone's trying to learn to meditate. Surely there's only silence when you zone out and forget you exist.

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    #7

    Constant music on repeat in my head. People can say certain words that are from songs I know and it triggers a new song to play in my mind. I will wake up in the middle of the night, and the music starts again. It’s really aggravating.

    MelissaB92102 Report

    JenC
    Community Member
    15 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You wake up and the song picks up where it left off when you fell asleep

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    #8

    The anger toward loud noises. It is just unbearable.

    Leyla Report

    M M
    Community Member
    23 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My partner tends to put music too loud for me, is he deaf or am I sensitive? We don't know

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    #9

    Two people sitting on a couch watching TV, illustrating neurodivergent experiences shared by 116 people. Needing to have the captions on during a movie in order to hear better

    🧿LISSI🧿 , cottonbro studio/Pexels Report

    #10

    Person typing on a laptop in a dark setting, illustrating themes related to neurodivergent experiences and awareness. Being able to get it done last minute. But not a minute before.

    Jamie Lynn , cottonbro studio/Pexels Report

    Upstaged75
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Which causes me SO much stress. But do I learn from it? No.

    #11

    Man in a black suit with earbuds, looking at smartphone, illustrating neurodivergent behaviors and self-awareness. Procrastinating, i honestly just thought it was something everyone struggled and I wasn’t weird for waiting to do my school assignments until the night before they are due 😭

    Arabella , Mikhail Nilov/Pexels Report

    Nikole
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This isn't normal? Same thing with work stuff?

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    #12

    Young woman with glasses reading a book in a cafe, reflecting on experiences related to being neurodivergent. Skipping ahead a few lines while reading then forcing myself to go back and read the now boring bit cause I spoiled the next bit for myself

    reggie_black81 , Fatih Berat Örer/Pexels Report

    #13

    Listening to the instructions, but not listening to them- because you need to see it done first and THEN told the instructions before it can “click”. 😅

    Cierra Rowell Bailey Report

    Rick Murray
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Oh yes, visual learning. Instructions are a waste of time, just show me once.

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    #14

    Young woman in a white shirt sitting on a couch looking thoughtful, reflecting on neurodivergent experiences. The ADHD paralysis and shame spiral for my horrible, horrible housekeeping skills.

    ❌Stephanie Ann❌ , Ron Lach/Pexels Report

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 day ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    I get on these marathon cleaning sprees for weeks. Then I get so exhausted I don't want to do any more cleaning for a couple months. I force myself to sweep the floors every other day. The possibility of buggos crawling around is my motivation, but I also just like not stepping on stones, sand, crumbs and who knows what else. Since I have that routine, which I do let myself deviate from, it gives me a sense of accomplishment and control over my home.

    #15

    Internal monologue that never stops

    JustRandom1975 Report

    Robert T
    Community Member
    13 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's normal for people with an internal monologue, isn't it? It's only when it starts speaking in the third-person you need to be worried!

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    #16

    Eating the same food over and over and over again... and liking it until you're sick of it. Then moving onto another type of food.

    LovediceRecos on IG Report

    Rick Murray
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Took the exact same meal to work for about six years. Then I started to feel actually ill eating it. I have settled on a different preferred meal, but the time in between was traumatic and more than a few days going hungry because I'd open it and...oh god no. Colour, texture, things too mixed, I don't know.

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    #17

    Feeling like Im being watched. Not in a paranoid "the govt is monitoring me" way, just always feeling this underlying feeling that Im being judged even when Im just standing in line at the grocery store

    Chironic Report

    #18

    One ADHD symptom I thought was normal was needing pressure or urgency to function. I only moved when things felt critical, but went flat when things were calm.

    Tiffany🙏FaithInTheOrdinary Report

    #19

    Empathy and strong sense of justice

    yunglosangeles Report

    Tabitha
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Those are actually good things to have. Too bad not everyone does.

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    #20

    Two men having a serious conversation indoors illustrating neurodivergent perspectives and personal experiences. Getting frustrated when people don’t finish their sentences fast enough, or don’t talk fast enough

    Devon , August de Richelieu/Pexels Report

    Rick Murray
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This. And then they have the audacity to get upset because you deliver an entire paragraph in the time they manage a few words.

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    #21

    Folded clothes in various colors stacked in a pile, illustrating comfort and sensory preferences of neurodivergent people. Piles. Piles everywhere lmao

    Cristina sin H✨️ , Alexander Grey/Pexels Report

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 day ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This used to be me. I hated tidying and cleaning when I was growing up. My mom hounded me about it all the time. Since I've lived away from her, having to clean and tidy my whole home on my own, I do appreciate keeping it tidy on a regular basis so it's not so overwhelming when I decide it's cleaning day.

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    #22

    Silhouette of a person standing by a window with curtains, symbolizing reflection on being neurodivergent. i’ve seen other people say this who have ADHD & ADD, i don’t miss people.. out of sight, out of mind.

    baylee 🦌 , Victor/Pexels Report

    LB
    Community Member
    23 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have this one, too. My spouse knows it's not personal, but I sometimes... forget they exist, when we spend time apart. I think it's because my brain has no space for too many alternative realities. So I don't like change, but I'm always the food to adjust to the new status quo. I'm autistic though.

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    #23

    A young man showing signs of distress while a concerned woman listens, highlighting neurodivergent experiences. THE ANGER THAT BUILDS IN YOU HAVING TO REPEAT YOURSELF

    Bethan Thomas-Rowlan , SHVETS production/Pexels Report

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 day ago (edited)

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    It enrages me when I try extra hard to enunciate and speak loudly, then I get told not to shout and be rude. But when I talk in my normal, I'm having to repeat myself. Not to everyone. Some people, who need to pick their ears up off the floor. I know they can hear me. (Alright BP. What is it? A word? A tone? What is wrong?)

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    #24

    Replaying arguments (from years ago) and finally having solid comebacks

    Candace C Report

    #25

    Person relaxing in a chair reading a book, representing experiences related to neurodivergent awareness and understanding. Hearing my voice in my head when I’m reading, apparently some people don’t hear any voice….HOW CAN THEY READ 😬😬😬

    louisemarie417 , Polina Zimmerman/Pexels Report

    #26

    Young person in a green hoodie lying on a leather couch, looking pensive, illustrating neurodivergent experiences. Not being able to focus on something if I'm not 100% interested in it

    Jayyy , cottonbro studio/Pexels Report

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I call this free-will to choose to spend the time and energy on something I'm more interested in.

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    #27

    apparently there is "ADHD handwriting" where the letters look lazy at some points and sometimes it looks like it was written by different people bc we keep changing our letter style probs cuz we get bored 👀

    Susan Cortes Report

    #28

    Two women smiling and talking while working on laptops, illustrating neurodivergent experiences and connections. over sharing to connect with someone. i didn't realize people thought it was being self absorbed. having multiple hobbies/projects. hyper fixation on collections, topics (reading mainly like h*******t, ancient Egypt, the tudors etc)

    Jessie💜 , Canva Studio/Pexels Report

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The amount of mental energy it takes to not jump in at everything people talk about should be an Olympic sport.

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    #29

    Talking to myself… it calms me down but people look at me crazy… I thought everyone did this

    Laura Report

    #30

    Eating the same food, listening to the same songs, watching the same movies. On repeat.

    yolo🖕🏽🧊 Report

    Nadine Debard
    Community Member
    23 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It gives your mind an impression of safety because you already know what will happen.

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    #31

    Thinking nobody likes me and nobody wants to be my friend and I shouldn’t call to hang out because then I’m just bothering people.

    Blonde Remission Report

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    At times, I've had confirmation that is the case.

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    #32

    I always have my brightness all the way down on my phone and notice how it affects my vision when it’s really bright

    luvleyy Report

    #33

    Young woman with curly hair holding her head in frustration, representing challenges of being neurodivergent. Getting unreasonably angry over minor inconveniences affecting your schedule (people walking slow, talking slow, blocking the metro doors, stopping in the middle of a hallway etc)

    uiggj , Yan Krukau/Pexels Report

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I get this and don't like it. I hate impatience from other people. I have it done to me when people think I'm in the way. It's a crappy feeling. So I try to remind myself to be patient and just chill. It's not easy, but I'm getting better at it.

    #34

    Are those ADHD signs? Been walking into door jams & corners my whole life. Who knew?

    AndreaFL200 Report

    Betsy S
    Community Member
    14 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Poor proprioception is common for autism and for ADHD. Goes double for we AUDHDers.

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    #35

    Hyper fixation on a hobby and buying EVERYTHING for it and 2 weeks later it’s in the craft closet with $1k+ of other crafting/hobbies stuff just collecting dust. I also know that I won’t ever be bored because all the stuff in the creating closet so it’s like a safety net. 🤷🏼‍♀️🤦🏼‍♀️

    StellaGotHerGroove2020 Report

    M M
    Community Member
    23 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good that you have money for it. I was fearing to draw on a piece of paper not being sure if what Im sketching is worth it.

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    #36

    Racing thoughts/music playing in my head at night that kept me awake for hours

    lindseyven Report

    Nikki Sevven
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Color noise is your friend here. I tend to prefer brown and green noise with just a touch of white noise.

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    #37

    Young woman with curly hair and glasses looks thoughtful while holding a mug, reflecting on being neurodivergent. Running through social scenarios in my head just in case. for example "if the cashier asks why they havent seen me in a while ill explain I had lots of leftovers after going out"

    TChunky5319 , Karola G/Pexels Report

    #38

    Two people having a serious conversation indoors, illustrating a discussion about neurodivergent experiences and awareness. asking someone what they said and then immediately knowing as soon as they start to repeat themselves 😭

    lysol 🇨🇦 , Polina Zimmerman/Pexels Report

    JenC
    Community Member
    10 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Auditory processing delay. I did this for years around age 12. Saying "Huh?" also fills the gap, so they don't think you're bring rude or not listening for mot responding in a socially appropriate amount of time while you process.

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    #39

    unexplained bruises

    Laquittaf Report

    T'Mar of Vulcan
    Community Member
    17 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep!! "Where did you get that bruise?" "No idea!!"

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    #40

    People at work always called me “Rainman”because I remember every detail of something but I can’t remember big things. I thought they were strange. Also, I hate turtlenecks and anything that wraps up around my neck and it seems like everyone else loves it.

    AliciaChic Report

    Starbug
    Community Member
    17 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can't have anything around my neck, maybe a loose scarf if it's incredibly cold

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    #41

    remembering all negative things that happened to me on a loop randomly through my life. multiple times a week.

    stickystxbstxb Report

    #42

    Task paralysis. I know I need to do it, and it’s not even hard but I just freaking can’t. 😭

    Queen of the Castle Report

    M F
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Neurotypical do not get this one and no matter of explaining it to them helps. Sorry my brain treats the task like a life threat I don't know why!

    #43

    Three women discussing neurodivergent experiences while holding mugs and a book near a window in a casual setting. Interrupting people when they talk because you already assumed how the story will end (most of the times right)

    Paulina W , fauxels/Pexels Report

    Rick Murray
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's because talking is such an incredibly slow method of information transfer, and...some...people...are...so...much...worse ThatYouCouldFitAnEntireThoughtInBetweenTheirWords.

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    #44

    116 Examples Of Behaviors People Later Realized Were Signs Of Neurodivergence Being able to hear electricity. ⚡️

    Madison Bernabe Shor , Andre Moura/Pexels Report

    #45

    Young man covering his face in frustration, illustrating feelings related to being neurodivergent and misunderstood. Misplacing everything all day after I just had it in my hand...

    a_man_duhhhhhhhhhhh , Mikhail Nilov/Pexels Report

    M F
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Things have HOMES. I hate when they leave their assigned homes. Usually my fault

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    #46

    Recognizing in the moment that the thing I am stuck on doing is the thing that’s going to make me late, but not being able to stop until it’s done.

    MilishaBee🆘🇺🇸 Report

    meeeeeeeeeeee
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    and that is why we wait all day instead of starting a task if we need to be somewhere

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    #47

    Maybe not normal, because I knew other people did not do it, but knowing what is going to happen in series and movies, or guess what other people is going to say before they finish their sentence (not always right in this last one, though) because we are "aware" of patterns and just use them to fill out information.

    cynmarcz Report

    meeeeeeeeeeee
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like to blurt out the lines in a scene when it's my first time watching it, just before they say it on the screen. Makes me feel like a smug wee b***h.

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    #48

    Always and I mean always having a song playing in my head. Even when I’m thinking of other things, the song is there.

    Cathy with a C 🐎💙🐎💙 Report

    Nikole
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mine for the past three weeks has been "Billy Don't Be a Hero."

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    #49

    Making random noises and repeating phrases that feel nice - my latest one is pizza pie (no idea why)

    sunsetcuddles Report

    RomanceRadish
    Community Member
    15 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    bacon pancakes makin' bacon pancakes (in bird voice)

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    #50

    Talking too loudly, too fast, dominating conversations and over-sharing 😳

    zippy2130 Report

    JenC
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Gotta talk fast to keep up when your brain goes 100 miles an hour

    #51

    Deciding something only takes 20 minutes (when in fact it takes hours) while at the same time avoiding tasks because your brain has decided said task takes hours, when in fact, it really is a 5 minute task. Or when you doom scroll for “5 minutes” that turns into 5 hours.

    🇨🇦. SusanBryn 🇨🇦. 🌈🏳️‍🌈 Report

    M M
    Community Member
    23 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember putting wallpaper on my dorm wall instead of doing some stuff for uni...

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    #52

    Putting things in very safe places and then forgetting where that safe place was. Four years later I still can’t find the very safe place I hid my daughter’s bracelet charms.

    Dinah Esquivel 🇪🇬 Report

    JenC
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I know I'll lose this, so I'll put it somewhere safe so I'll remember where it is

    #53

    Constantly needing stimulation but NOT TOO MUCH. if I don’t have the tv or music or podcast on in the background my mind just won’t stop.

    kat Report

    Tabitha
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When I was living alone, I would sometimes have something in the background, the TV, radio, stereo, when I felt like I needed some noise—-not ear-splittingly loud, just enough to hear another human voice. But after I got married and my household started getting chock full of human noises, I started appreciating silence and alone time a whole lot more.

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    #54

    Preparing for arguments that would never happen, all the time

    Chironen Report

    #55

    Person wearing a gray sweater writing notes in a notebook, illustrating neurodivergent experiences and personal reflections. Adhd Handwriting and putting pressure on my fingertips!!

    Sam , Biekir/Pexels Report

    Tabitha
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mind has always been faster than my handwriting, so it usually devolves into a scrawl, especially as my hand gets tired. I like being able to type—-and correct—-my thoughts when I have to write a letter to someone. It’s nice for me to be able to edit and tweak it before sending it, and they like being able to actually read it.

    #56

    Unable to watch movies without subtitles. Unable to understand verbal instructions unless provided written text or making notes so I don’t forget.

    Budju 🖤💛❤️🩷💛🩵 Report

    #57

    Feel energy shift in different environments, conversations and people

    Mad One Scales Report

    #58

    Not wanting to wear certain type of fabrics/ clothing because it made me feel like a million tiny critters were running over my skin….now I understand 🥹

    🖤AK🖤 Report

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I thought that was just an ichthyosis thing.

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    #59

    Having one specific line of a song stuck in my head so often that every morning, within five minutes of waking up, I was like “oh that’s today’s anthem”. And then it just…never goes away.

    KillerQueen Report

    See Also on Bored Panda
    #60

    Two women in a calm, minimal room with one assessing the other, illustrating neurodivergent awareness and understanding. the postural sway 100% I thought everyone could do it🤣😭

    👑Kingg🏳️‍🌈 , Yan Krukau/Pexels Report

    T'Mar of Vulcan
    Community Member
    17 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yep. My SIL was always saying, "You're making me seasick" if I was talking to her while standing because I sway *constantly*. Also, I can't keep my eyes closed unless I'm lying down because I'll fall over. Even in church, I have to keep my eyes open when praying or I start listing sideways.

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    #61

    Close-up of a woman in a gray blazer reflecting thoughtfully, illustrating experiences related to being neurodivergent. watching people's mouths while they talk so I can 'hear' them better

    marlene szipocs , August de Richelieu/Pexels Report

    Starbug
    Community Member
    17 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I found out during covid masks' time how important it is for me to "read lips" when listening to someone

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    #62

    Man with curly hair holding paper looking confused while working on laptop, illustrating neurodivergent experiences. Object permanence. But also getting blind from objects that are always in the same place because my brain doesn’t register them anymore

    bbc Shagz , Nataliya Vaitkevich/Pexels Report

    Nikki Sevven
    Community Member
    9 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have, numerous times, found items in my house that I swear I've never seen before.

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    #63

    Learning everything about an activity/hobby I am interested to include buying all the required tools. Map out a routine with an end of year outcome with quarterly, weekly, daily goals. Them, never do said activity.

    Meredith Report

    T'Mar of Vulcan
    Community Member
    17 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    So much me! I have so many bottles of nail polish, for example. Bought every kind under the sun. Got tired of painting my nails after 2 months. Have every type of 4-ply yarn. (Yay, I've started a new blanket so it's not going to waste!) Scrapbooking supplies that I keep replenishing even though I only do a few pages every couple of months. Etc.

    #64

    Constantly tell myself “I’ll clean the house today or imma clean the dishes (and then keep saying and saying it untill on a random day I CLEAN THE HOUSE AND THE DISHES RIGHT AWAY WITH 0 READON)

    ThePureTees Report

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Can never plan. Just do. Planning takes too much mental energy.

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    #65

    that some people cannot see images in their mind? like extreme disassociation or maladaptive daydreaming. I can replay entire movies in my mind and see and hear everything like I'm actually watching in real time. apparently that's not the normal 😬

    HiPriestess_95 Report

    T'Mar of Vulcan
    Community Member
    17 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I remember being bored on the bus home one day and watching the entire Star Trek TOS episode "Amok Time" in my head. People I told were so amazed!

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    #66

    Woman with curly hair holding her head, appearing stressed and overwhelmed, representing neurodivergent experiences. Adhd handwriting, forgetting things, being hyper for no entire reason, saying random things

    kadz , Mizuno K/Pexels Report

    #67

    Doing 5-7 tasks at once? I thought I was just great at multitasking 🤦‍♀️

    SouthTX⭐️Trainer Report

    Tabitha
    Community Member
    8 hours ago (edited)

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    The problem with multitasking is that you’re dividing your attention between all the tasks, and can’t really give all of them 100% of your attention at the same time. The only way I can actually multitask is if several tasks can be set to happen automatically. Good example is cleaning house while the laundry is in the washer. I can take a break from the housework to move the laundry from the washer to the dryer when it’s ready, and resume cleaning house while the dryer is running. I can even add in the extra task of cooking, and can not only clean house and do laundry, but have something cooking in the oven at the same time. Only happens because the laundry and oven are automated, and can be doing their task all on their own while I tackle the hands on cleaning tasks. This can apply to running more than one automated task at the same time at work, or anywhere, while you tackle any other tasks that require hands on attention. Otherwise, if you’re trying to do five tasks at the same time, you can only average 20% attention to each one (yeah, you’ll give one of them a higher percentage of attention when it hits as snag and needs you to fix it, but that comes at the cost of all the other tasks, that are getting little to no attention at that time).

    #68

    Vocal stimming. I didn’t even know it had a name. I thought it was just a habit

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    Lady Eowyn
    Community Member
    14 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    What is Vocal Stimming? Vocal stimming, also known as auditory or verbal stimming, refers to repetitive sounds or vocalizations made using the vocal cords, mouth, or throat. These behaviors can include humming, singing, repeating words or phrases (echolalia), making animal sounds, or producing sound effects. While vocal stimming is often associated with autism, it can also occur in individuals with ADHD and other neurodevelopmental differences. Verywell Mind +1 Purpose and Benefits Vocal stimming serves several important functions, including: Emotional Regulation: It helps individuals manage their emotions, providing a calming effect during stressful situations or sensory overload. 2 Sensory Input: The sounds produced can offer sensory stimulation that is enjoyable and grounding, helping to balance sensory processing needs. 2 Self-Expression: Vocal stimming can be a way for individuals to express feelings that may be difficult to articulate verbally, allowing for emotional release a

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    #69

    Having my best friends tell me about the coolest things we’ve done together in past, and I have no memory of them 😔 wish I did

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    Nikki Sevven
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a great memory for information, but not for personal experiences.

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    #70

    Forgetting to close cabinets...being tired as hell all day then doom scrolling til 2AM...having 10K tabs open on my phone's browser...

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    #71

    Apparently your mind is supposed to be quiet and think one thought at a time. My mind was FLABBERGASTED when I realized that was normal.

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    meeeeeeeeeeee
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I doubt one thought at a time is normal. That seems like a different disorder. One person I've known has said they had that and they are a psychopath - not in like a dramatic evil or bad way, just a psychopath.

    #72

    Feeling like I’m wrong all of the time.

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    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    11 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    If the OP was wrong all the time, then his statement itself must be incorrect. Therefore he is not wrong all the time. Making him wrong again.

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    #73

    ADHD paralysis i knew i wasn't lazy just at times I couldn't get my self to do things and I didn't know why

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    #74

    Listening to the same song on constant, not just a little bit, repeat for 2-4 weeks.

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    #75

    believing people were decent and were telling the truth. boy, oh boy did that one bite me

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    #76

    All of it. All. All of it! Not wanting to cook cus it’s too many steps, not wanting to clean cus it’s too many steps, not wanting to do laundry cus it’s too many steps.. only being motivated by having to.

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    #77

    Young woman looking thoughtful and concerned, representing feelings related to being neurodivergent and self-awareness. Rejection sensitive dysphoria. I had no idea how people could just shake it off and move on.

    Cam , RDNE Stock project/Pexels Report

    Tabitha
    Community Member
    8 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Are they sure some of this isn’t caused by conditioning? Like being socially awkward or just not strictly adhering to the accepted social norm, being constantly mistreated and/or humiliated for being different like that (by mean people, for stuff that nice people just overlook because it’s it fatal, and no one would ever notice if they didn’t loudly point it out), which of course hurts like hell emotionally, then constantly worrying about being treated like that again for some trivial and unintentional faux pas. (Yeah, some neurotypicals can be downright cruel, though most are really nice.)

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    #78

    Auditory processing disorder. I used to call it auditory dyslexia until i found out the actual name. I can hear people, i just dont understand what theyre saying cause it sounds like gibberish

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My husband tends to mumble something he wants to tell me, without even getting my attention first, then gets frustrated because I misheard him, or didn’t hear him at all. I have told him a hundred thousand times to be sure he has my attention and SPEAK TF UP if he wants to be absolutely certain that I heard what he said. Especially if there’s at least one other source of LOUDER noise going on at the time, or my full attention is fixed elsewhere. If you just randomly mumble, you’re just taking a gamble—-an a real long shot at that—-whether I’ll hear you, or hear you completely and/or correctly, or not.

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    #79

    Having a conversation in my head first then blurting the other half of it out loud to my partner… or jumping to random topics

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    #80

    I thought it was normal for people to always be thinking about something and I would ask my husband what he is thinking about and he would say nothing and I would wonder why he didn’t want to talk about what was going on in his head in the background all the time. Then I learned in therapy not everyone has an inner dialogue constantly. it’s a symptom of my ADHD. I was just diagnosed this year. I’m 27. 🖤

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    Dave Reekie
    Community Member
    17 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The other day I was doing the dishes and ‘Nellie the Elephant’ was my current earworm. Halfway through I stopped to ask my wife if she knew the name of Nellie’s friend ( the head of the herd was Colin) She asked me why I was thinking of that and the answer is - well isn’t it an obvious connection?

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    #81

    being able to actually read people. almost like knowing all the answers to a book...before you even open it

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    8 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can read the general foundation, but not necessarily the specifics. In other words, I might definitely know what kind of person they are, as well as their motivations, so can make some general predictions about them, but I can’t necessarily tell you what they’re going to say word for word, or do blow by blow, in the next minute.

    #82

    hearing absolutely everything at once and being unable to focus on singular sounds or just blocking it out which apparently is a thing neurotypical people can do

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    #83

    deep dives. I thought everybody took a deep dive out of curiosity every now and again.

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    8 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    How else can you truly learn? Or are so many neurotypicals really that uncurious?

    #84

    Too much information thrown at me then shutting down as a result

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    8 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Sometimes I can just soak it all in and get it right away, and other times I just get overwhelmed and shut down. I think it depends on the subject matter, and whether I’m actually interested in it, have already taken a somewhat deeper dive into it, so already know and can relate to a lot of it, or not. If I find it stultifyingly dull, am just not interested in it, or really turned off by it, I can end up tuning out or getting overwhelmed because I just can’t stir up any enthusiasm about it. Additionally, if you just throw a lot of orders at me and expect me to blindly follow them without knowing the whys and wherefores about them, you’re in for a surprise because that ain’t happening without a ton of questions from me. It’s the reason authoritarians and I do not get along. I question authority a lot—-not from spite or hubris, but from interest and maybe, after gaining some good experience with, and understanding of, a task, seeing and suggesting a better and more streamlined way of accomplishing it. Authoritarians hate that.

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    #85

    Thinking so multidimensional and in layers all at once. The pattern recognition that comes w that caliber of thinking. It’s very hard for me to have conversations w “normal ppl” and I’m working on how to articulate better to ppl

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    7 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Being able to see more than one side of a conflict. Seeing a world that is not only not black nd white, it talks not just various shades of gray. Seeing it as being all kinds of colors and their various shades. Multidimensional. A hell of a lot more complicated and intricate and layered (and because of that, often more difficult to adequately explain), than most people do. Sometimes taking those deep dives into what seems to most to be just subjects that interest us actually helps us better understand the layering itself, if the subject matter we researched relates to the issue at hand (like for example, diving deeply into the history of a region helping you understand the various historical reasons for present day conflicts, such as past unresolved issues and conflicts that have been festering maybe even for centuries).

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    #86

    Being able to physically feel music and sound. I never knew that wasn’t normal. Found out I have synesthesia 2 months ago. I just turned 49 🤷🏽‍♀️

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I’m 65, and only found out not long ago why certain musical types or works or passages give me the sensation of the hair on the back of my neck standing up, or raises goosebumps, or makes me feel out of breath, or simply gives me the sensation of actual physical uplift. It’s because I truly feel it deep down inside of me, right down to my bones. For me, it doesn’t happen with all music, so I don’t know if that’s normal or odd. Then again, maybe not liking certain types of music is the result of feeling it, but the feeling being really negative.

    #87

    Needing to research something for days, weeks, months comparing each one on multiple different websites different models or years, learning everything about it. finding a YouTube video unboxing, how it looks. then how it is when it has a problem. Then if it is something that a lot of companies would make a case for that I could find that I liked. Whole time it’s a Nintendo switch. Or how it would look in my house like for tvs. I think everyone does this but after like 7 hrs straight or a couple days of that that’s it but it’s like I can’t I need to know I’m right

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    #88

    I thought everyone had constant chatter/sounds or songs going through their head 24/7. Apparently that is not normal 😃

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    #89

    Actually being a genuine person 😅 I learned the hard way people are not authentically kind or care about you

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And some are downright cruel, just for the sake of being cruel. For s***s and giggles. No matter if it comes at the cost of another person’s feelings (or worse).

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    #90

    Young woman in a striped shirt sitting thoughtfully indoors, reflecting on experiences related to being neurodivergent. 15 conversations with myself. All in my head. All,with diff character voices & faces/bodies. Also, not officially diagnosed, but I've read a thing or two.

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    #91

    Man deep in thought during a group session, reflecting on experiences related to being neurodivergent. Deconstructing food and not making direct eye contact with people. Also, maladaptive daydreaming.

    Ashley Marie Sarver , Vitaly Gariev/Pexels Report

    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Maladaptive Daydreaming is a specific mental condition. There is overlap with ADHD inattentiveness and MD, but it's not exactly the same. MD can cause an obsessive tendency to really immerse one's self in a fantasy they've created, blurring their imagination and reality, to the point the person with MD will think it's real. Basically, a state of delusion. Inattentive ADHD and MD both disassociate, hyperfocus, become unaware of their surroundings and what's going on, become angry at being interrupted, sleep problems.

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    #92

    having layered thoughts constantly, maladaptive daydreaming, listening to a song/eating the same thing over and over till i’m sick of it, having “a thing about textures”, burst of motivation that cuts short randomly. the list goes on lol…

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    Nikki Sevven
    Community Member
    8 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    The textures issue is real, especially regarding food. I like cottage cheese, but can only eat large curd. Small curd is repulsive.

    #93

    I hip check everything. I'm suuuper clumsy. Always in need of stimulation, but can't be overly stimulated.

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    #94

    Stimming!!!! My parents used to belittle & slap me for me doing it up into my young (mid 20's) adulthood.

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    #95

    Everything is a soundtrack. The need to overshare. Having 400 tabs open on ur iPad. Listening to the same song hundreds of times. Waiting until the last minute to do everything.

    Lbreezy Report

    #96

    Immediate rage at the tiniest noise when focusing

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    #97

    hearing power lines and refrigerators

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    StrangeOne
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Is that not normal? Fridges aren't exactly quiet.

    #98

    Pattern recognition making you psychic

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    7 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    As well as really good at puzzles and cryptograms and other pattern-oriented/recognition games.

    #99

    consistently switching jobs 😟

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That’s mostly because you’re looking for a company where the vibe is one of acceptance and appreciation of other people’s quirks and differences, instead of judgement or ridicule of anyone who isn’t a carbon copy of themselves. Those unicorns do exist, they just take a while to find.

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    #100

    being clumsy. It clicked so hard when I found that out. 😭😭😭

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    T'Mar of Vulcan
    Community Member
    17 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My mother always said to me, "You're so onhandig" ('onhandig' is Afrikaans for 'unhandy', so basically clumsy). Then couldn't understand why I struggled with socializing in high school, and blamed me.

    #101

    being honest and authentic.

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    Michael Largey
    Community Member
    10 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    For some people that's an either/other choice.

    #102

    Remembering people's birthdays you haven't seen in 30 years. Knowing what year most movies came out.

    KristenM Report

    #103

    I smell everything I eat and if it even smells a tiny bit off I can not eat it. 😬😅 My mom says looking back she can clearly see the signs but I’m a 90s kid so 🤷‍♀️😅

    VirtueSignalHD Report

    #104

    When ppl make small talk and I didn’t know what to say so it became awkward immediately

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Good weather, bad weather, there’s always something to make small talk about.

    #105

    Maladaptive daydreaming, being calm under enourmous stress and pressure but blowing up over tiny things that aren’t a big deal, hyper focusing on tasks I find interesting but unable to start/do tasks I loath.

    Zaltic12 Report

    #106

    APD. synesthesia. astigmatism. RSD. Limerence. Maladaptive daydreaming. Chasing dopamine.

    hazylinn41 Report

    #107

    Taking what people say at face value.

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    7 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Mostly because you realize there might be so many layers to it, and you just don’t want to waste time trying to figure out what they REALLY saying. Some people have the annoying tendency to speak in riddles, even when there’s no point in doing so. They think it makes them look clever, when it actually makes them look like a******s. Just be straight with me, and quit making me have to work so hard to know what you mean, ffs, or I will stop giving a s**t about you and never talk to you again because you’re f*****g exhausting.

    #108

    That normal people don't ruminate over every task for twice as long as it takes to do the task. They just do it? apparantly, I guess.

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    Tabitha
    Community Member
    7 hours ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    They also don’t realize we’re already (metaphorically) beating ourselves to a bloody pulp when we make a stupid mistake, so they really don’t need to (metaphorically) pound on us even more. (I specified metaphorical beating so you wouldn’t think I’m referring actually being physical beaten for a stupid mistake, though that does happen too.)

    #109

    Sleeping without socks

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    Lost Panda
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I would think that the sign would be sleeping WITH socks

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    #110

    constantly being reminded how mean people will be to me, even though I always treated them with kindness, courtesy, and friendship - including family 😔

    djm77777 Report

    Tabitha
    Community Member
    7 hours ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Yeah, it’s amazing how many neurotypicals can be downright cruel, just because someone’s different from them. TBH, if it wasn’t for all the different people, whether neurodivergent or eccentric or whatever, the world would have no color, no glamour, no interest, no fun, no life. It would be f*****g stultifyingly dull to be surrounded by nothing but cookie-cutter sameness. But try to tell some of the supposedly “normal” people that, and see just how well it’s received.

    #111

    Hypersensitivity, when I was younger I was diagnosed with ADHD and then I later developed 2 anxiety disorders. I thought having strong emotions and feelings towards people, environments, and words they say was normal. But I guess it wasn’t.

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    #112

    “Zoning out”. I was getting called out by teachers for disassociating during class as a young child

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    #113

    Losing a week if my daily schedule deviates from my normal routine

    MWR Report

    Grant Slade
    Community Member
    1 day ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminds me of a cartoon I once saw. Kathy said, "I slept in so my day is ruined. My day is ruined so my whole week is ruined. The week is ruined so the whole month is ruined. The month is ruined so my whole year is ruined. The year is ruined so my whole life is RUINED !!

    #114

    Just being extremely fast. Whether its walking, doing an activity or task. Telling a story i’ll skip to like 5 side stories so pplnoften said I was bad at explaining things in a step by step way

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    #115

    Feeling white noise.

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    #116

    Knowing people’s intentions of what they’re thinking and feeling, even though they’re not acting like it, I thought everybody was able to do that until I realized that it was not normal

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