Is it normal i don't know if i'm actually retarded.

55% Normal

I've been like this since I was a kid, I guess the term is "brain fog". even my parents would make fun of how retarded I am. I always hoped I had a brain tumour or something that one day would just get removed and I wouldn't be so stupid anymore.

The thing is that I've always gotten good grades in school, never needed remedial courses in fact I was put in advanced courses and I'm pretty good at math, logic and learning languages than the average person. I'm now in uni nearing my BSA and getting all A's, but people still think I'm retarded because I can't think fast and I'm shit at communicating. My interests are also very childish, and random people call me cute as though I'm a little kid (not complaining but it just makes me wonder).

The only time I feel normal is when I drink, but at the same time I'm wondering if it's making me even stupider overall. but when I drink I can actually think straight and speak properly for once.

IIN? Am I retarded or just autistic or something?

Voting Results

55% Normal

Based on 11 votes (6 yes)

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Comments ( 15 )

Knightmare

7 years ago

Dude. I can relate. I didn't have that as severe but I still know how you feel.

I'm diagnosed HFAutistic. Nobody ever explained it to me so I kinda assumed they meant retarded, I mean they gave me special classes and all but I never really needed them and I did all right. But this, combined with me being an introverted kid who grew more extroverted as a teen, I was always lonely because I never learned to socialize. I was scared of sounding dumb so I never spoke unless they started or if it was important, so I never socialized, so I never got experience so I never made friends so I never socialized... I'm only recently learning to break the cycle.

Ask me anything. I'll listen. I'll share what advice I've learned from counceling too.

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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  7 years ago
  
  Yeah I guess I never learned to properly socialise either.
  I was super introvert as a kid then started to talk more at early teens. people really did tell me i sounded dumb, so I stopped talking around most people again.
  Now in college I'm starting to talk a lot more because no one gives a shit. my work (and major) is basically made of socially awkward people but even compared to them I feel like I'm worse.
  
  I'm curious as to what you've learned in counseling as from my experience it seems like they just say things I could learn on my own with a google search. Also wondering how people get diagnosed. It seems too awkward to just say "I think I'm autistic" to a doctor. and how are you doing now as compared to before?
  
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  - Knightmare
    
    7 years ago
    
    Do you use Reddit, or are you comfortable chatting any other way? I'd like to stay in touch a little, it gets hard to read here on a phone.
    
    Just say the network and I'll say how to get me.
    
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    - Anonymous Post Author
      
      7 years ago
      
      Haha thanks, you sound really cool (i read both replies) sorry Im a bit drunk right now tbh but i didn't wanna leave you hanging. I did read it. my username on reddit is gelarshie. I honestly dont use reddit that much so i have no idea if there's a PM system or whatever but feel free to message me, I'm sure I'll find it. thanks again
      
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      - Knightmare
        
        7 years ago
        
        No worries. I'll be happy to help however I can, talk any time and I'll reply soon as I see it.
        
        Yeah, they've had PM since long before I joined. You'll be notified same way as comment replies.
        
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  - Knightmare
    
    7 years ago
    
    Did they really say that you sounded dumb? I'm terribly sorry about that. I don't see it though. But I do know that in my teens I did get teased a bit, but I avoided people so it didn't stick long. That might be where the root of the whole "yer a retard" thing came from. Honestly, I don't see anything odd about what you write. If you're self conscious about how you TALK however, maybe it'd be worth talking to someone. But do you speak well? I doubt it's a problem. And don't worry if it is, just practice.
    
    A lot of people feel self conscious. Especially those of us who didn't get much good social experience like the two of us. And probably half the people on this site, IMO. And you know what? That whole "you sound stupid" thing or that "you're retarded" line, bullying in general actually, it's just a weird coping mechanism for the bully's insecurity. They feel good because they think they're better than someone else. It's not right, but it's a sign that they're worse off, they've got some issue and they're too dumb to figure out a healthier way to deal with it.
    
    I've got one strategy that works for that "is it weird to say this" moment. Write a story. Sounds dumb, but honestly it helps. Assume they'll react how you would, aside from subtle things like opinions. A while ago I had to ask "Is it weird to ask a new friend to a movie?". Stop freaking out and stop thinking they'll think it's a gay date. Start asking "what would I say if they did that?" and then ask how you'd react to that reaction. (rereaction?) Then write another and change it. What's the worst that'll happen? Then what's the best?
    
    Just ask the doctor. It's not too awkward, trust me. My mom is a nurse practitioner (basically a doc) and trust me, she's had to deal with MUCH weirder people than that insecure dude who might be an autist. And they always know who to tell you to ask. This time ask for a psychologist, but seriously, they deal with people worse than the worst people here. They deal with people who've shoved a remote control up their ass or something. Mom knows someone who dealt with a psycho who bit them. You are not the weirdest. You will never be.
    
    Ask me absolutely anything. Although I was speaking to the counselor about a different kind of issue... I'm a recovering porn addict, that's why I started talking to him.
    
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Whatintarnation

7 years ago

Drinking just generally makes people lose their inhibitions. Perhaps you should talk to a professional. They'll probably be able to provide you with better answers than a bunch of weirdos on the internet.

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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  7 years ago
  
  Yeah, i've been to the therapists at uni but it always felt like I was just wasting thier time. I can't even communicate properly to them either and the only advice they seem to give is what you can get off the internet anyway.
  
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Ellenna

7 years ago

Have you been professionally tested to check if you're on the Autism spectrum? That could be a possibility.

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- Anonymous Post Author
  
  7 years ago
  
  No, I don't really know how to go about doing that
  
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  - Ellenna
    
    7 years ago
    
    Your doctor would be a good place to start
    
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    - Anonymous Post Author
      
      7 years ago
      
      Start what though? "hey i think i have autism"? it's not really that easy and I doubt they would even care, it's not like they can do anything about it.
      
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      - Ellenna
        
        7 years ago
        
        No, just talk to someone about your symptoms and I didn't suggest it would be easy, but then your current situation doesn't sound easy either.
        
        Whether or not anything could be done about if if you are on the Autism Spectrum I have no idea, but at least you'd have an explanation for how you are, and wasn't that why you asked your original question?
        
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Pseodonihm

6 years ago

You could be suffering from Ankyloglossia or "tongue tied" if you have difficulty speaking. But most likely you are suffering from Apraxia which is a oral motor speech disorder. Basically the parts of your brain that control your speech have been damaged. Hope this helps.

Also look into supplemental Iodine. That stuff removes that brain fog feeling. At least for me.

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SmokeEverything

7 years ago

You could probably figure a functional regimen of alcohol to help. Self medication is still medication

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Is it normal i don't know if i'm actually retarded.