I realize now that I indeed was able to be an independent thinker well before there was ever an NPC meme. I would frequently see myself not just going along and saying I liked the latest popular music or other trends. I would not necessarily be outspoken, but if asked I would certainly not be afraid to say I did not like [insert current popular thing]. This was not me just being a contrarian, but rather that my autism kept me from sensing the same social pressures.