Found out that the guy I was dating has autism? Should I ask him about it?

[Anonymous]

So me and this guy work together and we started seeing each other like 2 months ago and I fell for him and started to like him but we broke it off because he’s moving in a few months even though we do still keep in touch. So I was lurking on his page and seen a photo he was tagged in and it looked like it was his mom that tagged him. It was a photo of him and also a sticker/filter saying “I love someone with autism”. My mind was blown because I didn’t think he would have autism. Should I bring it up to him and ask him or should I just leave it alone. by the way I don’t see him any differently.

[kuffs]

I have ADHD which is like a medical cousin to Autism, we share lots of the same traits. Both tend to be very blunt and open but something’s we very are guarded on. Its a crap shoot if he will be ok with it. But probably he will be if it comes from a good place. If your confrontational or aggressive or negative in any way about it then he will block himself off. We pick up a lot if signs people don’t realize they are sending even though we miss social cues, i know it doesn’t make sence but there you go.

If he has been open about other things then he probably will be ok with you asking. You could mention you saw the photo and noticed the sticker. Ask him if he knows anything about Autism. Say your curious about the diagnosis and that you haven’t heard much about it.
Good luck.

[Jltakk]

Is he "high functioning"? Were there any signs that make sense after thinking about it? I have ASD and life especially socially isn't easy for me, but it is totally possible to have a fruitful relationship with an autistic person. It'll take time and there will be challenges but if the love is genuine, it'll all work out.

[Simslover92]

I would say just leave it especially since you aren't seeing each other anymore. If he decides to tell you then that's great but I would just leave it alone.

[Poliker]

Leave it alone if you do not want to get back together. Think about it as one little fun fact about him.

[Bruins37]

I would just leave it alone. He will tell you in due time should you continue seeing each other. Some people just don't want to be seen different. For example, I have a little asbergurs making me more quiet/ shy than normal, but I don't go advertising it.

[rosemilk]

most of us with autism don't seem like we have autism ;) it's called masking

and no, why in the world would you bring that up? no need...

[mb120101]

My brother has autism and is insecure about it I would let him bring it up himself unless it causes issues

[Giggles0]

I have autism and I would feel awkward if a guy asked me. It will come out through general conversation.

[Summeroflove]

You can ask him. Maybe it’s a sensitive topic to him. But sure bring it up and see how he responds

[summiter]

It is ok to talk about it to see where he is coming from and to learn more about his challenges.

[DarkWinterNights]

If he’s low enough on the spectrum that you didn’t even noticed does it matter?

[RingOfFire]

I would leave it alone. If he wants to talk about it wait for him to bring it up.

[Tiffany1996]

Leave him along if your questing don’t make it a big deal if he doesn’t make a big deal.

[In_Trance]

You can if you want to