this post was submitted on 02 Sep 2023
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Autism
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Yeah can you guys quit pretending having autism is some fantastic thing? It really sucks sometimes and I've never felt or met anyone like me who thinks this way at all. In general we wish we could communicate better and it seems like this is just going to cause more division as it basically puts "neurotypical" vs anything that isn't that. We should definitely understand what goes on with people on the spectrum but don't pretend it's a fun time.
This post is not trying to categorize autism as a wholly fantastic thing. This post is acknowledging a kind of personally felt positive experience exclusive to autistic people. Nowhere in the post does it say "and this is why we're better that neurological people".
Describing a kind of experience exclusive to how your brain works is by itself a neutral observation, one that that OP feels positively about. Yes, difficulty with communication can be highly detrimental, nobody is attempting to argue against that information. However, being able to pull off success instances if communication with neurotypical people, as well as styles of communication seemingly exclusive to other autistic people who think the way I do is pretty cool, in my own experiences.
So, to recap, things this post is not saying:
Autism is unambiguously fantastic.
Autism is always fun.
Autistic brains are superior to neurological brains.
Things this post is saying:
Autism is not an exclusively negative experience.
Variations in brain development produce variations in styles of communication.
The ability to engage in communication more or less satisfactorily in both categories can be perceived as a strength or even an advantage in very specific circumstances.
Yes, in general we wish we were more effective communicators, especially with the neurotypical world. No, this does not mean that it is doing a disservice to autistic people to acknowledge parts of our existence that bring us joy or give nod to specific strengths which are exclusive to us. I understand being frustrated with someone who says that having autism is wholly preferable and an all-around advantage, but it isn't helpful to pretend that strawperson is in this image.