Just a passing thought - something I have found that helps. Quite a while back I discovered that "scripts" are a functional method of dealing with NT's. So I have developed a few of them on my own. A couple for the grocery store, a couple for the Tim Horton's, etc.
So here are 2 (yes 2, count them, 2) BIG tips:
1 - MAKE IT SHORT. When engaging in a social scripting situation (e.g. at the counter in the fast-food joint of your choice) don't elaborate, don't expound, don't talk too much. Keep it short. Make sentences short. Keep the total exchange short. Most of this is phatic discourse anyway, so they aren't really interested in what you have to say. They don't really care how you are. Your existence is tangential to theirs at best.
2 - LET THEM HAVE THE LAST WORD. NT's feel much better about you, and themselves, if they get in the last word. Works like a charm. Even if you have more to say - Don't. Even if there IS more to say - DON"T.
Both of these two hints take some practice - I know they did for me. And they are easy to forget. But with these two tricks, people may actually think you're "normal" - aka like them. It makes practical life skills (an expression borrowed from Montessori) more do-able, and social situations much easier, quicker, and painless.
Plus, now and then you can throw in a little extra just to confuse the NT's. That can be fun.
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So THIS is why you always seemed to say the same pattern of things to coffee-shop attendants, cashiers at the grocery store, etc.
I always chalked it up to putting on the "showbiz" persona.
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