Yes... There is nothing wrong with autism either.

I despise those Ignorant people that mess with autism and say bad Things about it.

Long may the puzzle piece inspire...

Shining in wonder for all to see...

Nope, but a couples of my cousins are. Oddly enough, they're from the same mother. Aside from some of my weird interests (like that TES universe based story I've slowly been piecing together... Magic, a mad gods realm, and talking cat and lizard people makes for a good setting aight?) I'm completly normal :p I've got nothing against people who are on the spectrum - I know their life can be difficult and that I can't assume what 'type' of autism they have given how large the spectrum is and how each individual is affected differently - but I won't treat them extra special if they possess a high functioning form. I mean, I'll give them some slack in an area thats made uber difficult for them becuase of their form of autism (social interactions, for example) but I won't give them a pass on being horrible cooks if they have the ability to understand executing recipes like everyone else. I'm sorry, but if you can understand what is written and understand measurements and temperatures then there's no reason for the peanut butter cookies to be inedible.

I may be a bit socially awkward and avoid social gatherings, but I'm not autistic. I can't imagine the uphill battle it must be either. I've gotten better with my own interacting with others issues as I've grown and matured, but it's nothing compared to those on the spectrum. As for those on Vizzed with a form of Autism, I'm totally fine with it. It can be difficult to communicate in general, but then throw in only using text, like the forums or chat room, I try to be understanding and assume the best of others. I think taking that approach with others, whether someone is Autistic or not, would clear up any bad feelings over one another. 

p.s. This is why I tend to take whatever says in the chat as serious, I never intend to offend! (jokes and random silliness tend to go over my head in chat.)

I was really, really awkward, as a result of being sheltered my entire life in a small private school, although I have improved a bit. When I was at a public school as a part-time student, I actually had one of my friends ask me if I was autistic. The answer that I'm hoping for, however, is no. The traits that I displayed were common symptoms of autism, but I have a feeling it was just me being extremely sheltered up until that point. At the very least, I haven't been diagnosed, and that's gotta count for something, right?

I am autistic, but I'm not really proud of it. Personally, I wouldn't scream out that I have autism in any site, since it's embarrassing. But since this is an autism-friendly thread, I'll say otherwise.

I was diagnosed with mild Autism at age 4 but common effects of it started showing up in my life at age 2. I don't like telling every person I know that I have it since most people don't believe me. I think they're used to seeing people with the severe type of Autism instead of the type I have.

I have known many people with Autism, but only one person with the severe kind. A couple close friends of mine have mild Autism so I never feel alone about it.

No. I have some sort of disorder (very, very light form) but that was debunked as not being part of the autism spectrum, and imo if you have something on the autism spectrum that doesn't make you autistic because you don't actually have real autism.
I don't have social problems IRL at all, or anything like that.

Probably not. I haven't been diagnosed for Autism, but I have a learning disability. I also have met and bonded with Autistic people before. Despite how different they are from us, they mean no harm. They can be inviting and calm, and not get on your last nerves. I don't understand why people keep using that word for things they don't like. 

I don't consider myself Autistic, though I do know quite a bit of people who are at least somewhat in the spectrum. Though they are all cool people who I have a lot of fun with.

As far as I know, the answer to the question is no.

I have never been tested for it, so there is a good chance that I do have it, since from what I've seen of the symptoms I follow a lot of them. Especially the idea of not being able to be social and not being able to hold a conversation.

But yeah. I'll just answer a "no" for the poll though since I really don't have a definitive answer.

No, but I have depression, Selective Mutism and Dyscalculia. People with SM are socially withdrawn and isolated, fearful of social interaction, have eye contact difficulties, lack of facial expression, awkward movements, tendency to excessively worry, desire for strict routine, and sensitivity to noise. However, we also have above-average intuition, creativity, empathy and exceptional understanding of another's emotions, and a strong sense of right and wrong. Those with dyscalculia, alongside not being able to properly understand and comprehend arithmetic functions, have difficulty utilizing analog clocks, stating which of two number is larger, inability to comprehend basic financial budgeting, difficulty with conceptualizing time, difficulty with musical notation, and problems with Mathematical concepts. It's quite sad.  

Not that I'm aware of at least. I'm really shy and socially awkward but not autistic. 

More and more people are stepping up lately which is a good thing.

I am not autistic, though it is interesting that there are so many users with autism on the board. I figure it's because many autistic people like to go on the internet where they feel like they can fit in and communicate better. One effect of autism is that you can't read facial cues or pick up on voice tones. On the internet, that isn't an obstacle. All you need to do is read.