this post was submitted on 27 Feb 2026
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Autism

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Tried masking. What did I do wrong? (lemmy.world)
submitted 5 days ago* (last edited 5 days ago) by MeowerMisfit817@lemmy.world to c/autism@lemmy.world
18 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Switching schools. Thought maybe masking my autism would do good for finally having friends.

Here's what I did:

1- Sit on the third line: not too much back, not too much on the front;

2- Get pretty. Bracelets, jacket...

3- Watch them talk and imitate what they talk about when they talk to you.

Well, didn't go this well. Still getting ignored (I like to joke with my brother that "Neurotypicals have autism detectors").

Where did I miss it? I tried joining some conversations I heard, but they were pretty unkind at me after that.

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[–] Idreamofcheesy@lemmy.world 3 points 5 days ago (1 children)

Honestly your smile probably looks fine. Just don't go full smiling with your teeth showing while in conversations.

I'll still forget to change my facial expressions from time to time. Mirroring others helps. Try to (low-key) monitor their facial expressions and slightly copy them. They're smiling broadly, you smile a bit. They frown deeply, you put on a concerned look - just furrow your brow a little.

Combining mirroring their expressions with listening more than you talk and they'll feel like you're a really good listener.

[–] MeowerMisfit817@lemmy.world 3 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Thanks for the hints, buddy.

[–] Idreamofcheesy@lemmy.world 3 points 4 days ago

Anything to help fellow weirdos survive middle and high school. Shit gets rough sometimes, but you'll be alright.