this post was submitted on 30 May 2026
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Autism

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How to you feel about using autism as a joking synonym for "dumb" or "awkward"? (lemmy.blahaj.zone)
submitted 3 days ago by Alvaro@lemmy.blahaj.zone to c/autism@lemmy.world
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I have been struggling with this because a lot of people around me use it in this manner when they do something dumb or they act in an awkward way and they'll be like "oh, that was autistic of me" or "I've got the tism" and I always feel so uncomfortable but I also don't know how to raise it or what to say. I am myself not diagnosed, but I'm pretty sure I am on the spectrum. I was just wondering what you think of it and how you handle it.

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[–] hoshikarakitaridia@lemmy.world 14 points 3 days ago

I think it's one of those cases where the actual definition and the cultural definition deviate, and I accept that people are kinda just being a bit funny.

If people are using it to be degrading or berating, I will call it out (or just not interact with those people anymore) but I usually think it's meant to be a bit self-critical, funny and endearing. I don't really mind in that case, because it's not said in offense, and I appreciate people making fun of themselves every once in a while.