Nonverbal communication refers to body language, facial expressions and voice inflection. About 60% of communication is done in this way.

We reveal our state of mind through nonverbal communication, without even knowing it. Some people are superb at interpreting these subtle gestures. It amazes me. I don't think people read minds. They just infer based on what they are hearing and seeing.

Eye contact is important for the NT, since it conveys a lot about a person. Most view the eyes as entry into the soul and would like to see them, when in conversation. Lack of eye contact can impart: arrogance, deceit, despair, reticence, dishonesty, unfriendliness, negativity, etc...

If you wear sunglasses because of light sensitivity, tell the other person. Most are understanding and able to see beyond that. Personally, I am not bothered by sunglasses, but I (now) can understand why most NTs are bothered by it. (Thinking of this reminds me of Les Claypool. I have never seen his eyes, even in concert.)

People are very perplexing!

My AS group has a lot of great resources on how to navigate the mainstream world and maintain sanity at the same time. Perhaps, you can look into your local group. I have found them helpful, in my quest for self discovery. Understanding AS, I think will really help, because it is a part of who you are. My mother points that out to me, a lot.

So many of the traits that you fight with, like perfectionism and dwelling on the past, are typical of AS. I am well acquainted with them and the despair that they cause. We tend to over think and get stuck on one facet of life. I hear that in your posts. Perhaps, you can explore this with your therapist.

Nothing can convince me that you are a defect. You deserve happiness and love, like the rest of us.

I have recently realized comparing myself to an NT is unjust, because I think and experience the world very differently from them. We just have to learn how to get along better in their world.