59
Is there a drug that can give an autist a "normie experience"? (programming.dev)
submitted 9 months ago by ICastFist@programming.dev to c/autism@lemmy.world
33 comments fedilink hide all child comments

Asking because my gf has ADHD and she told me that, the first time she took ritalin (methylphenidate), she thought to herself "So this is what it feels like to not have ADHD?"

That got me thinking, is there a drug that has a similar effect on autists, that allows them to experience what is it like to "not have autism"?

you are viewing a single comment's thread
view the rest of the comments
[-] noxypaws@pawb.social 20 points 9 months ago

I've got ADHD and stimulant meds help me get distracted less, but they don't do much to help me focus on the right things sadly. Still definitely helpful though.

But no, I (a complete amateur with zero qualifications) highly doubt such a drug is possible, and if there were one it'd be kinda uncomfortable to ponder the very concept of making neurodivergent brains work like neurotypical brains at some point.

Like, why should we have to change when it's society that sucks, not us?

[-] AddLemmus@lemmy.ml 3 points 9 months ago

Same, but meds in combination with my learned copes and methods, before and after diagnostic, is a miracle drug.

For example:

  • I catch myself focusing on a news site or lemmy -> set a 5 minute timer when to stop
  • pick an item from my todo-list. If no list is present, only make the list, then allow myself to do whatever I want
  • don't feel like any of those things -> just simulate doing them in my head. If still none appeal to me, I can do what I want. It happens often enough that I want to do one after the "simulation".
[-] ICastFist@programming.dev 2 points 9 months ago

Like, why should we have to change when it’s society that sucks, not us?

I'm not really interested in "becoming a full-time normie", but I would be lying if I said I wouldn't want to experience that life for like a day, maybe up to a week, tops, to get a better understanding of both sides

this post was submitted on 19 Nov 2025
59 points (98.4% liked)

Autism

10302 readers
457 users here now

This is a community for people with Autism to be themselves. All neurotypes are welcome.

Community:

Values

  • Acceptance
  • Openness
  • Understanding
  • Equality
  • Reciprocity
  • Mutuality
  • Love

Rules

  1. No abusive, derogatory, or offensive post/comments e.g: racism, sexism, religious hatred, homophobia, gatekeeping, trolling.
  2. Posts do not need be related to autism, off-topic discussions are allowed. This is a safe space where people with autism can feel comfortable discussing whatever they feel like discussing, as long as it does not violate the standing rules.
  3. Your posts must include a text body. It doesn't have to be long, it just needs to be descriptive.
  4. Do not request donations.
  5. Be respectful in discussions.
  6. Do not post misinformation.
  7. Mark NSFW content accordingly.
  8. Do not promote Autism Speaks.
  9. General Lemmy World rules.
  10. No bots. Humans only.

Encouraged

  1. Open acceptance of all autism levels as a respectable neurotype.
  2. Funny memes.
  3. Respectful venting.
  4. Describe posts of pictures/memes using text in the body for our visually impaired users.
  5. Welcoming and accepting attitudes.
  6. Questions regarding autism.
  7. Questions on confusing situations.
  8. Seeking and sharing support.
  9. Engagement in our community's values.
  10. Expressing a difference of opinion without directly insulting another user.
  11. Please report questionable posts and let the mods deal with it.

.

Helpful Resources

founded 3 years ago
MODERATORS
Lexam@lemmy.world