Met someone possibly on the spectrum. Don't know what to do with it.

[yesithinkso]

I met this boy a few weeks ago and we've regularly run into each other since. He always says hi to me so I always smile at him. Based on his behavior and demeanor it's possible that he's on the spectrum, but even if he's not I've gotten curious about him. Is there any way to bring up (or allude to) the subject of autism without being completely weird or offensive? I also think I have imagined talking to him so many times I've actually grown to like him.

 

[royinpink]

I met this boy a few weeks ago and we've regularly run into each other since. He always says hi to me so I always smile at him. Based on his behavior and demeanor it's possible that he's on the spectrum, but even if he's not I've gotten curious about him. Is there any way to bring up (or allude to) the subject of autism without being completely weird or offensive? I also think I have imagined talking to him so many times I've actually grown to like him.

Lol, that's cute. (to my weird and obsessive mind, anyway)

Um...I think it would be best to get to know him first, regardless. I don't know if you are also on the spectrum (I'm assuming yes?), but after you get to know him a bit, I think it'd be safer to bring up that you have it before you ask him about his experience. Even if you're right about him, he might not be aware or diagnosed, so who knows what his reaction would be. If he is diagnosed, opening up about your own experience first would make it less scary for him to share personal details with a stranger.

 

[SignOfLazarus]

I am also bipolar and OCD. I have engaged with a lot of people who idenitfy as having a mental illness and developed a pretty good "batsh-" radar.

[I don't run into as many people on the spectrum face to face, the majority of those I have met personally are people who are really close friends I have known for a long time]

ANYWAY...
I've noticed some people aren't as comfortable talking about being on the ASD spectrum as others, as some people are not as comfortable talking about bipolar or OCD [and there are other personal things people might not be comfortable talking about].

I am often comfortable discussing my details in this context, however, so will do so before another will.

I almost never outright ask them though, it's kind of being "outted"- even if it would only be to me. ASD or anything else, that's not a very safe feeling [in my experience].