Things to avoid saying during #AutismAcceptanceMonth, a thread:
“We’re all on the spectrum.”
I know you’re trying hard to relate, but no, we’re not. Autistic people each have unique experiences, challenges, and skills.
“We’re all on the spectrum.”
I know you’re trying hard to relate, but no, we’re not. Autistic people each have unique experiences, challenges, and skills.
“I never would’ve known if you didn’t tell me”
I have a lot of coping strategies including masking, and autistic people often do extra work to be accepted or make neurotypicals feel more comfortable.
Instead, consider how you can be more inclusive/be glad someone disclosed.
I have a lot of coping strategies including masking, and autistic people often do extra work to be accepted or make neurotypicals feel more comfortable.
Instead, consider how you can be more inclusive/be glad someone disclosed.
“Your autism isn’t like my cousin’s brother’s autism.”
You’re right! I am not a boy, I am an adult woman. Also, every autistic person has unique strengths and challenges. As the saying goes, “if you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person.”
You’re right! I am not a boy, I am an adult woman. Also, every autistic person has unique strengths and challenges. As the saying goes, “if you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person.”
“I thought only boys / white people / people from westernized countries have autism!”
Friends, there are inequities that exist amongst race, gender, and culture when identifying autism. How can we ensure everyone has access to a diagnosis & services?
Friends, there are inequities that exist amongst race, gender, and culture when identifying autism. How can we ensure everyone has access to a diagnosis & services?
“Aren’t you like, a math/computer genius?”
There’s a stereotype that all autistic people are excellent programmers & math whizzes. Some of us are! But for those who are not, it’s harmful: we might feel pressured to pursue that or ignore our strengths.
I went to law school, so.
There’s a stereotype that all autistic people are excellent programmers & math whizzes. Some of us are! But for those who are not, it’s harmful: we might feel pressured to pursue that or ignore our strengths.
I went to law school, so.
“You’re not autistic! You’re a person with autism.”
I say I’m autistic since it’s a huge part of who I am. Some identify as having autism. Ask the autistic people in your life how they describe themselves. Respect and honor those choices, even if they’re different than yours.
I say I’m autistic since it’s a huge part of who I am. Some identify as having autism. Ask the autistic people in your life how they describe themselves. Respect and honor those choices, even if they’re different than yours.
“You do not speak for all autistic people.”
You’re right. I can only speak for myself and my own experiences. Seek out and amplify other autistic voices. I promise, we’re all better for that — myself included.
You’re right. I can only speak for myself and my own experiences. Seek out and amplify other autistic voices. I promise, we’re all better for that — myself included.
“Autism is a disability. You shouldn’t be proud of that.”
The #ActuallyAutistic community, as well as other disabled and neurodivergent communities, would like a word with you about identity & pride. Autistic culture is real and vibrant, and I recommend you learn about that. 🤗
The #ActuallyAutistic community, as well as other disabled and neurodivergent communities, would like a word with you about identity & pride. Autistic culture is real and vibrant, and I recommend you learn about that. 🤗
“You are living with autism.”
If this was true, autism is a terrible roommate! Autism does not do its laundry or unload the dishwasher.
If this was true, autism is a terrible roommate! Autism does not do its laundry or unload the dishwasher.
“Vaccines cause autism.”
We’ve been dealing with this stigma for a long time. Also really not cool when #VaccinesSaveLives & we’re living through a pandemic trying to protect people! Anti-vaxx sentiment makes this April extra hard for autistic people, so extend grace to us.
We’ve been dealing with this stigma for a long time. Also really not cool when #VaccinesSaveLives & we’re living through a pandemic trying to protect people! Anti-vaxx sentiment makes this April extra hard for autistic people, so extend grace to us.
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