Thread by @noircosmica

People think I'm joking when I tell them that the only reason I appear 'neurotypical' is because I've spent years studying psychology and human behavior as a special interest. Masking is a survival tactic. #MyAutisticTruth

This however, doesn't mean that my emotions and thoughts are not genuine. They very much are. Unfortunately, a lot of people often think that I am faking them once I reveal I'm autistic, because I mask during social situations. I mask for other people's comfort, not mine.

It takes me a bit of a longer time to process things, too. I joke about it. 'Oh, I don't have any spatial awareness' or 'I have no sense of direction'. I don't take offense when people think I'm slow or stupid. I've come to understand that patience & kindness is not the norm.

I also don't expect anyone to understand the fact that I am processing not only direct stimuli as it happens, but also an overwhelming amount of information. It's like I'm living in 5 different timelines at the same time. Time blurs. I lose track of what I'm doing.

My point is, it's easy to assume malice and negative things when dealing with someone who is autistic. You can tell there's something 'off' about this individual. There's no need to point it out. I know, we know. I've felt like an alien my whole life.

But even then, basic human empathy and kindness goes a long way. Not every brain is the same. That's what makes humanity so beautiful and diverse. Which is why I'll always say: don't assume, understand instead. Ask more questions, learn how to listen.

Also the typical: "You don't look like you're autistic." There are a million ways to live as an autistic person. Autism in black and latino communities is still largely ignored and misrepresented. We exist and operate under different social rules when masking. Be kind.