everyone seems normal to me

I didn’t learn I was autistic until way into my adulthood. Upto then, the favorite people in my life were autistic, but I didn’t know it. I just saw them as authentic people that had interesting quirks and appreciated their knowledge on subjects they enjoyed and lack of social games. I also had a special place for autistic kids and loved their toys to the point that I would seek them out to get some myself. One time, I was at a farmers market, saw what I now know as a fidget toy, and asked them what it was for. The lady said that it was for autistic kids because it helps them relieve stress. I played with it my hand and seriously said out loud, “Man, those autistic kids know what’s up.” One year later, I get diagnosed with autism 🤦‍♂️

Point being, I didn’t realize I was autistic nor that my friends were autistic. I just thought that they were cool. Once I found out, I started telling my friends, so which many responded with, “Me too.” That’s how I found out that “autistic” is NT language for my “cool”. Now, the best way to convince me to a social gathering is to tell me if anyone else that is going is autistic/cool.