"Delayed reactions"

Today I have discovered another thing about me, that I have some sort of retardation when it comes to reactions. For example, if a dumb NT makes a 'joke' about me, I don't know how should I react in 99,99% of the time but, later on, the whole scene comes to mind and I realise what I should have said. And from my point of view, it's a good reaction.
I know we need some time to think what ought to be done in social situations, but what about the non-thinking Aspies who find the answer when they're not seeking it?

This happens to me too

In the moment, I don't really react much or just smile. Then afterwards, when I think about it. I think oh DAMN, I should of said that, or OH DAMN!! Why did I not do this?

So yeah.. Not fun is it.

Very unpleasant. When I was 'younger', I would throw an insult or something like that as a response because that was what I thought it's best to do.

Me too as it happens. Either that or I would walk away, scowling.

Yeah I never know what to say at the time. My brain works best when it's had hours/days/weeks/months/years to think things over and come up with a constructed response. I constantly re-analyse conversations I've had from throughout my life and think up better or more accurate (to how I was feeling) responses.

I think it's probably why I prefer online interaction. If somebody says something which you don't know how to respond to straight away, you can take your time to think it through and analyse possible responses before saying anything. If you did that in reality, people would think there was something seriously wrong with you.

Now I don't know what to say! Unfortunately, I can't just walk away, I am not sure why I can't, but I can't!
In reality, I do tend to look down and think when a decision/choice should be made by me, and it makes me real nervous because I believe everyone thinks I'm stupid. It's bipolar's fault in the majority of cases though because ever since I got it my head slowed down a little...

Just perusing this forum, as I've always been suspicious of my having autism. I relate to what you said, but it could be put down to anxiety or OCD, perhaps?

I don't have OCD. Not in one tiny way. It's either the fault of ADHD or Aspergers. Yes I get 'worried' but not when talking to people that I know 'get' me such as a mental health professionals which is who most of my human contact is with.

I call that a delay in processing and it just happens.

Oh....
I thought...everybody did that?
*asperger moment*