Autism has been described as an abnormal absorption with the self; marked by communication disorders and short attention span and inability to treat others as people. In fact the word Autism derives from the greek word for self so essentially means Selfism.

From the outsider looking in it can seem that an autistic is trapped in their own world, self absorbed and selfish. With the majority of the population these actions would seem narcissistic and uncaring for others. However this isn't exactly how it is being on the inside.

Neurologically, autistic brains are wired differently, the social parts of the brain are just not connected as well as the majority of the population. It is like someone being born with one leg and expecting them to be as good a runner as everyone else just because everyone else can run.

Add to that the sensory overload that is happening during social situations sounds, sights, information etc. because autistics are sensory sensitive and it's hard for an autistic to learn social skills. The equivalent would be you trying to learn your most difficult subject while on a rollercoaster.

This doesn't mean that autistics don't want to learn how to be social, don't want to make friends and want to be alone all the time.

Emotional reactions can also be delayed as well. For example someone hurts themselves and everyone reacts except the autistic. This doesn't mean they don't care, it takes a while to process all the information in front of them, so much later and longer they will be concerned for the person.

For me personally I've adapted the best I can. For some outsiders looking in they might say gee Sean talks about himself a lot therefore he must be narcissistic or totally self absorbed.

For me this is the only way I have learnt to communicate, by either shutting up and being a great listener or sharing my experiences.

To me my body is just a vechile, I'm detached from it. I'm just an observer driving it around. When I communicate I just say what I have noticed along the way and hope others can understand or relate.

My wife knows very well that I'm not selfish. She knows I would do anything for her and I have never told her no, with anything. I care deeply for my love ones and people in general, I'm just not good at communicating it. Quite often I put myself last for the sake of others.

Not exactly selfish or narcissistic.