Being in autistic burnout is simultaneously really frustrating and interesting. My ability to interpret inference has always been low (I will basically always wait for you to get to your thesis if I think you’re not being intentionally duplicitous). So I sit there and let the person add up points A, B, C, and D in front of me, but my mind doesn’t naturally deliver the hint they’re getting at (E) unless they explicitly state it. This ever present quality of mine is really severe in burnout. This is completely frustrating for me and for loved ones, but the people who love me back just deal with it and make their implications even more explicit than they used to. It’s not THAT big of a deal, what I’m asking, is what I’ve learned from decent people. Actually, it never has been.

But the mean people: wow!!!! I don’t even COMPREHEND you any more! I ask them straightforward questions that could have one word clarifying answers and they FLY OFF THE FUCKING HANDLE. Meanwhile I’m over here NOT hinting, NOT trying to make you feel any particular emotion. Literally trying to comprehend you the way a second language speaker might offer a synonym. Chiiiiiiiill out!

now, when I see this I’m like “oh this is interesting. Is my lack of understanding actually a signal that you’re not being very honest with me or yourself?”

Very weird, haven’t heard anyone else describe this. Who has experienced it?