I am a minor (maybe) living with autism, but my parents won't believe me. I can't do much about it. What can I do?
I'm not sure how to explain this, but my parents refuse to acknowledge I have any form of autism since I am "too smart to have autism" or something. I'm only a minor, and I'm restricted to the things I truly can do. It's hard for me to get through everything, as I maybe have either Asperger's or something farther from that since social conversations are hard to initiate and I delve into too obscure topics. I am a big tech nerd and I always check the latest software and gadgets, and I love computer science class. However, entering class, I feel so restrained. They aren't teaching what I want to be taught. We're learning block coding while I'm already line-by-line coding. It holds me back, and I just can't anymore. I'm stuck. I want to go higher, but I just have to hope I get into G&T. I hope it'll bring me somewhere higher on the computer science hierarchy. It's really annoying, and since I love tech, it brings me away from others. Nobody wants to talk about Postgre or React.js, it's so lonely. I can't even anymore.
My parents don't understand. My dad is probably so disappointed I'm not like those kids who play football and it's just a kid who's trying to cope. I found everyone I need online, they believe me, but my parents don't know. I don't want them to know. I want them to know I'm struggling, but how?
Just... how?
@confid
My neurodivergence wasn't diagnosed until half way through college. I don't "feel" autistic, but 4 different screenings indicate that I fall well within that range. I do have ADHD, and dyslexia, which made math really hard for me.
There's no direct correlation between autism and intelligence. There is however, great variability in how information is processed, as well as differences in ability to cope with stimulation and social adeptness. My granddaughter is autistic, but unlike the usual perception about reading "social cues," she's remarkably perceptive regarding the emotional state of others. In fact, the extent of her empathy can have her feeling overwhelmed.
My experience with those on the spectrum, indicates that they're more often than not, highly intelligent. As I mentioned, I don't feel autistic, nor do I feel as though I'm extraordinarily smart, but a 200 question IQ test shows me at 190. I don't talk about it. I also feel a bit embarrassed, as though I should've accomplished more with my life.
It's unfortunate that your parents don't seem that approachable regarding this. Is there a chance you can talk to someone at your school regarding obtaining an evaluation?
I really don't think of being on the spectrum as limiting, but understanding how it may manifest in your life can be extremely helpful.
@confid
For now I would try and find 'your tribe' online or maybe make friends with older kids or even the computer teacher. You won't be trapped forever as a child with no control - you will be able to get out there and meet other people who love programming when you are older. There are loads of them!
Try not to feel too upset about people who don't mesh with your interests or don't understand you. There are definitely people out there who will, I really hope you can hold in there and look towards to future.
Sorry your parents aren't listening to who you really are, that's so difficult. I really hope you can find some supportive people IRL, they are there but they aren't the majority. We are a minority but when you find somebody with the same interests it should be easy to 'click' with them finally.
All the best, I really hope you meet a few people to connect with about computing soon (also sorry, I am not one of them either! I like dogs and reading lol...)
