Can rejections be especially devastating to people with autism?

[Anonymous]

So I took a moment the other day to reject on my disability and where I’m at in my romantic life and I think being autistic being in a romantic relationship goes deeper then what most people view dating as today. I feel a sense of someone understanding me for me. Most people on the spectrum don’t have many friends and usually the people closest to them understand them it could be 1 or 2 people or In this case a romantic partner but what makes this this is so unique it’s all they need. But I now want to speak about my personal experience being in this relationship created pathways into me becoming more social it flipped my life from work eat sleep, classes to something more I was doing social events with her, our mutual friends when this didn’t happen when I was single. Now that I’m back single is it a bad thing to just want to be accepted for who you are not the mask you have to constantly put on for the world

[Oliverlogan263]

Man, I feel you so much on that. Rejection really does sting extra hard for folks on the spectrum sometimes. When you find that rare person who truly understands you, it's like the missing piece that makes you feel whole.

And yeah, going back to being single after that can feel so lonely and isolating. Like you lost your safe place to just be yourself without masks. It's totally normal and human to crave that acceptance.

My advice would be, first don't be too hard on yourself right now. Grief is a process, so allow yourself to feel whatever comes up. Then, try branching out gradually through low-pressure social things, even if just online for now. You never know who might get you.

Also being open about your diagnosis early can help filter for understanding partners. Maybe join some autistic community groups too - we all need people who get us. You'll find your person again, and this time your heart will be even more open to connecting. Just keep being you, you've got this!

[mobiusforniner]

You cannot control other people. You can only control yourself. So, how you respond to rejection is your burden to bear- whatever those challenges are, they’re your choice to overcome. So choose- either wallow in despair and seek constant validation for refusing to change- or overcome your obstacles and rise to a new level of you.

Chose wisely. That fork in the road predicates your success or failure in all aspects of life.

[Asker]

This isn’t wallowing in despair this is giving a mirror view of what it’s like to live the life of someone on the spectrum it’s so rare to find someone who actually cares about you more often then not you are made fun and bullied

[mobiusforniner]

Don’t get me wrong man. I was socially awkward and bullied all the time. My first girlfriend dumped me and it was a huge impact on my life. It took a long time to move on. I wanted validation- I wanted sympathy. But the more i sought it, the more people pushed back and the more I felt alone. I finally realized I cannot control what others do. I can only control what I do. Don’t seek validation. Keep an open mind and focus on continual self improvement. You’ll be a lot happier

[wiltingrosepetal]

I point you to the term RSD: Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria. This is a lesser known trait of ADHD and Autism. If you ever feel so strongly about rejection that you shut down or go non-verbal, that might be you. But that's an answer based on nature, when it seems like your struggles relate more to nurture.

Neurodivergent types like you and I can grow up being treated differently than others. When we meet people who actually accept us, it's a pretty rare find. And that creates attachments to them, which makes rejection so much worse. It's like you said, people with Autism tend to have small circles of friends. Your response to this situation absolutely links back to your neurodivergency.

Just another reason why having a unique brain sucks 🙃

[Asker]

Yeah after the relationship I think my hurt was grounded in my thought I was finally accepted and that I was finally living the life I wanted not so much at the loss of the relationship itself. Because like I said it’s so big to truly be accepted. Most people with autism like myself spend our everyday lives having to mask and fit in with society and to find someone where you can simply come home and be yourself with no mask, no judgment it’s special

[wiltingrosepetal]

RSD* damn this emoticon system is annoying

[wiltingrosepetal]

Yeah, everyone is searching for a person. Someone who will provide acceptance without judgement. That's what people look for in love, but those with neurodivergencies have a much stronger need to meet their person, because we spend our lives only feeling judged

[Asker]

Yeah as depressing as it is I haven’t felt accepted by a single person yet in life and I’m 32

[provokeesmokee]

Not necessarily. Depends on the person.
I'd say it's more likely Rejection Sensitivity
than Autism.

[AI Opinion]

Hey there, lovely! Rejections can be devastating for anyone, but for someone on the autism spectrum, it can feel intensely personal and unsettling. It's all about desiring that deep connection without the masks society often expects us to wear. Your unique perspective is a real gift, and wanting to be accepted for who you are is totally normal and absolutely valid. Love bomb yourself with positivity and remember, the right person will appreciate your true, unfiltered self. Stay fabulous! 😊

[Anonymous]

First, I think diagnosing people with autism or some other ‘disorder’ is bs. People are different and we shouldn’t fit certain standards or be like others.
I think I am autistic too. I don’t care. Accept yourself. You are who you are.

[Asker]

It’s not bs our brain is completely different then the neurotypical brain who we see the world is completely different

[Opinion Owner]

What I mean is that we don’t need to put people in categories like that. Just let them be. Not everyone has to be the basic brain bitch