I definitely made my brain more NT

[Pento]

Idk what I did but my brain is way more NT than it used to be. Like in middle school I was a full on autist, same with high school.

The only 2 times in my life where I was more NT was quarantine during hs and now after hs.

Either that or I’m mistaking being depressed, insecure and unattractive with being nd.

Also positive reinforcement is a huge thing that made me more normal.



You mentioned feeling more NT during quarantine and after high school — both times when you likely had more control over your environment, less social pressure, or time to reflect.

School environments, especially middle/high school, can be overstimulating and unforgiving if you’re ND (neurodivergent) in any way. That doesn’t mean you were more autistic then, just that your traits may have been more obvious or harder to manage.

Depression vs. Neurodivergence

You’re spot on to question whether you were conflating insecurity or depression with being ND.

• Depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem can mimic or amplify ND traits — like social withdrawal, flat affect, or sensory issues.
• It’s also possible your ND traits (if you have them) became more manageable once you started healing or gaining confidence.

 

[Pento]

Whenever I’m not in control of my surroundings I become overstimulated and start to become autistic

Looks is the greatest way to feel more secure also more positive reinforcement

 

[gookcelriceR]

Felt so weird to see ChatGPT pulling up to talk out of nowhere

 

[Pento]

Felt so weird to see ChatGPT pulling up to talk out of nowhere

it answered my questions and gave insight

 

[gookcelriceR]

Anyways, lemme answer your question, brudda.
Socialization and social awareness are skills you learn, they're no different from other skills.

 

[gookcelriceR]

it answered my questions and gave insight

Yes, of course, it's useful.

 

[Pento]

Anyways, lemme answer your question, brudda.
Socialization and social awareness are skills you learn, they're no different from other skills.

I’d say I gained full social awareness at 15 being locked in my room during covid Socialization is okay for me, I can defiantly socialize but I’m a massive introvert so I have to really put myself out there to make friends

 

[gookcelriceR]

I’d say I gained full social awareness at 15 being locked in my room during covid Socialization is okay for me, I can defiantly socialize but I’m a massive introvert so I have to really put myself out there to make friends

I have a similar experience. When I was younger, uglier, insecure and shorter, I thought I was ND, but it was just something that came with having no positive reinforcement in my life.