[-jimi-]

Some people in my circle of long term Internet friends have taken onto themselves to give me articles and documentaries about autism. They simply take for granted because I have Asperger's, autism spectrum SHOULD be my only interest. I should be some kind of machine only taking interest in autism itself.

Up to now I have been quite polite and said I'd look. But when they didn't stop it I feel I had to tell them the nicest way I could that I'm not really interested. I'd rather we talked about things we have in common. They acted hurt.

The same people also send me articles about my country and if they met someone from here, they tell me and even suggest I should be friends with them because of course I want friends from here, according to them. I'm like, I live here, I have friends from here already. They don't get it. Since I am from this country and I have a certain diagnosis I should have this info... I don't send them info about their country or their diagnoses. If I did I think they'd find it weird.

I have even asked right out why they think I want this, but never got a true answer, more like they are only trying to "help" me.

I'm confused. Has this ever happened to you?

[eclairparty98]

Perhaps they're deliberately being a little pedantic?? Instead of asking them 'why', tell them exactly how you feel. If they understand you, there shouldn't be a problem. Maybe try addressing the fact you have other things to talk about besides your nationality, in a straight forward manner as opposed to beating around the bush, so they know exactly how you feel??

If you think they're genuinely upset/hurt because you shared your honest opinion regarding their approach to your autism, maybe send them an article about "neurotypical" people to represent how you're feeling in a humorous way - that you haven't only got Asperger's or your nationality to talk about. Maybe they'll laugh and see it from your point of view?? I'm not sure, I haven't experienced this...

At least you're handling this with integrity and respect - some people on the spectrum wouldn't understand nor know how to approach this type of situation.