Things that are frustrating to here as an autistic person
A thread
A thread
The classic
”You don't look autistic.”
Cool, I wouldn't have guessed you were neurotypical from your appearance, but here we are
”You don't look autistic.”
Cool, I wouldn't have guessed you were neurotypical from your appearance, but here we are
“But you’re so normal”
Yes that’s because I mask to make you feel comfortable.
Like do you want me to stop making eye contact or would that be too much for you?
Yes that’s because I mask to make you feel comfortable.
Like do you want me to stop making eye contact or would that be too much for you?
“Everybody is a bit autistic”
Ummm.....just no.
You’re either autistic or not
Ummm.....just no.
You’re either autistic or not
It undermines the struggles autistic people face in our society.
It’s also just dismissive.
It’s also just dismissive.
“I’m so sorry”
About what? Not being like you?
There is nothing to be sorry about. It also stigmatising as it implies autism is a ‘bad thing’
To me it’s not
About what? Not being like you?
There is nothing to be sorry about. It also stigmatising as it implies autism is a ‘bad thing’
To me it’s not
“You don’t sound autistic”
Yeah we don’t all have the same voice.
Yeah we don’t all have the same voice.
“My ‘interest distant relative who I see once every 3 years’ is autistic.
“Okay, why are you telling me?”
“Because you’re nothing like him”
“Okay, why are you telling me?”
“Because you’re nothing like him”
I’m a 25-year-old woman; chances are I won’t have that much in common with your 2nd cousins’ 3rd child who is 5, male and also autistic.
Like you wouldn’t make a similar comparison between neurotypicals, so why do you feel the need to in this situation?
Like you wouldn’t make a similar comparison between neurotypicals, so why do you feel the need to in this situation?
Just this look in general when I first mention my autism
Also, if it comes up in the conversation again, it's annoying to beat around the bush and not say the A word.
I.E. Saying things like ”special ability” and ”differently-abled” need to be abolished from your vocabulary
I’d prefer autism and it’s easier for both of us
I.E. Saying things like ”special ability” and ”differently-abled” need to be abolished from your vocabulary
I’d prefer autism and it’s easier for both of us
”You’re life must be so difficult”
Yes, but are you going to stand up for me if I experience ableism it not?
That would help make it easier
Yes, but are you going to stand up for me if I experience ableism it not?
That would help make it easier
”I bet you can calculate complicated sums in your head at the top of a hat.”
Hmmm, it takes me a reasonable amount of effort to calculate 7x8 in my head without paper/calculator.
Also, I got a C in maths GCSE, so I'm fairly average at maths.
Hmmm, it takes me a reasonable amount of effort to calculate 7x8 in my head without paper/calculator.
Also, I got a C in maths GCSE, so I'm fairly average at maths.
”You’re so high functioning, though.”
This translate as
” Your autism is so mild; it doesn't really impact you enough for me to care.”
This translate as
” Your autism is so mild; it doesn't really impact you enough for me to care.”
Same goes for describing me as ’mildly autistic’ or ’a little autistic.’
I don't experience autism mildly. Also, you can't see what's going on inside my head so...🤷🏻♀️
I don't experience autism mildly. Also, you can't see what's going on inside my head so...🤷🏻♀️
Also while you're here, If you enjoy my writing or would like to support my online advocacy work I would be forever grateful if you could buy me a coffee (or tea in my case).
ko-fi.com/saraheboon
ko-fi.com/saraheboon
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