this post was submitted on 19 Nov 2025
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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"?

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[–] webghost0101@sopuli.xyz 2 points 1 day ago

Feel “normal”? Yes, the drug that works. (High dose of cbd for me, a little alcohol can also work in a social setting)

Actual Neurotypical experience? Biologically impossible.

Your neurodivergent self is your real “normal”.

But when you no longer experience symptoms that cause the everyday problems you struggle with and feel like you just function optimal.. that’s an amazing feeling allright. But it can almost feel like a high in contrast. Its definitely not what “neurotypicals feel like all the time”

They have their own days that they struggle or function more optimal.

The main difference is that there struggles are “normal” ones that “everyone has” and “understands” (y)ours are different and can cause social strife, exclusion.

Its possible that while your symptoms are gone you fit in better amongst neurotypicals and this sense of belonging is a big part of the neurotypical experience, but your brain is still a neurodivergent one at its core, with all the good and bad that goes on in it.