I only make a big deal about calling myself autistic because of the number of times I've been told not to.

Each of us should be free to label ourselves with what makes us the most comfortable.

being autistic and having to participate in society is like being an actor who cant get off stage and cant stop performing

very rarely do i hear about how exhausting it is to simply be autistic and to have to “behave” yourself. this goes for many other disabilities, developmental, personality, or another sort of mental divergence.

having to pretend to be a different person at all times in order for people to accept you is exhausting. its debilitating.

its humiliating.

because often you dont get to experience life as your genuine self, and youre constantly afraid of rejection.

slipping up can mean losing a job, losing friends, family, etc. you’re always on guard and always playing a role.

it feels like a performance even when no ones around. ive found myself embarrassed by stimming or participating in my special interest, even when im around no one except myself.

Autistic headcanons be like

Autistic person: I really relate to this character! They do a lot of things that I do because I’m autistic!

Autistic person: *makes in-depth headcanon post detailing all the autistic traits the character has*

Allistic person whose entire knowledge of autism comes from autistic screeching memes and cringe compilations: actually they can’t possibly be autistic because I like them

I always wonder what people who believe that vaccines are the sole cause of autism think of non-vaccinated autistic people. I remember trying to engage with someone online who was claiming vaccines caused autism by asking them about non-vaccinated autistic people but they kept ignoring me for some reason…

ALT

Internalized ableism is taught, often at a young age.

I've seen many autistics go through the journey of unlearning their internalized ableism, but they wouldn't have to make that journey if they themselves hadn't been shamed.

When discussing why autistic people should exist too often I see people talk non-stop about the accomplishments of autistic people. How about the fact that we're human.

This goes for any minority group whose existence is questioned.

ALT

Hiding someone’s autism diagnosis doesn’t help them. It doesn’t stop them from knowing they’re different. All it does is make them think that there’s something wrong with them.