> Some vocalize that they notice something is off and I might tell them about autism and give them an outline of what it means. If I tell them I often also ask if they can put it into concrete examples of what I do differently. They never can.
The people who can't give examples, can't because they're not emotionally sophisticated or developed enough yet where either 1) they can notice and articulate specific examples or 2) they're comfortable having a genuine discussion on the difficult topic. It's hard feeling like you're missing out, but if you apply yourself in your field and interests you might find that you can make more genuine and worthwhile friends elsewhere.
The people who can't give examples, can't because they're not emotionally sophisticated or developed enough yet where either 1) they can notice and articulate specific examples or 2) they're comfortable having a genuine discussion on the difficult topic. It's hard feeling like you're missing out, but if you apply yourself in your field and interests you might find that you can make more genuine and worthwhile friends elsewhere.