“But you don’t look like you have autism.”
This is a phrase that has been said to me time and time again, usually by professors or people of authority in life. My question back is usually, “What do you think autism looks like?”
Despite every answer being well intentioned, it was clear nobody was on the same page about what they expected autism to look like. But in essence, that’s exactly what a spectrum implies. While there are underlying threads that tie those with autism together, each person on the spectrum is completely unique, and the expression of the neurodiversity will vary from person to person. Experiences are different for everyone, but a lot of times the sensitivities and challenges we face are not taken seriously because we appear as high functioning.
I used to try so hard to hide the fact that I was on the spectrum, simply because I didn’t want to deal with the assumptions that followed. I’ve learned over the years that education is best delivered through our actions. Accepting my diagnosis doesn’t change who I am; it empowers me to be proud of my distinctive place in the world. Bit by bit, I believe as a community we can break down the stigma surrounding autism by being ourselves and being open with others about how we feel and think.
-Anonymous
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