Mental health: “Passing” as non-autistic can be incredibly draining. Autistic people who spend less energy on hiding their autistic traits have better mental health. [1] X Research source [2] X Research source [3] X Research source Being understood: People may be more accepting of your differences if they know that they’re caused by autism and not by negative personality traits. They may be more patient if you do something odd, since they might be more likely to assume you meant no harm. Explaining yourself: People may be more accommodating with you if they know that your struggles or social slip-ups are related to a disability and not a lack of effort. They may end up being more patient and helpful when you need it. Teaching others: Getting to know you as an autistic person can help others gain a better understanding of autism, including breaking negative stereotypes.
Discrimination: Ignorant people may judge you based on your diagnosis or your autistic traits. Some may decide to exclude you or be rude to you. Stereotypes: People’s opinion of you may change. They may apply negative stereotypes or treat you like a child. Explaining yourself: Some people may try to argue with you about what autism is or whether you are “truly” autistic (even if you have a paper diagnosis!).
Once something is on the internet, it is on the internet forever. If you want to write extensively about autism, consider using a screen name. For example, your future employer will not know if you wore a cute autism shirt in college. They will know if you published an essay on autism or were interviewed by a newspaper at an autism acceptance event. Whether you’d like that is up to you.
“I’m a little quirky, and I have some unusual needs. " “I have a disability that causes _____. " “I have a developmental disability. " “I’m autistic. "
“Autism is a common but misunderstood social and developmental disability. I have difficulty understanding people sometimes, sensitive ears, and unusual body language. On the bright side, I’m really good at code. " “Being autistic comes with good, bad, and neutral parts. My body language is a little different, and I’ll be really good at some things and need extra help with others. " “There are a lot of myths about autism. " “Hollywood stereotypes autism as much as it stereotypes jocks and nerds. Autism Speaks isn’t known for being truthful either. There’s a lot of misinformation, so a good deal of the things you may have heard about autism might be false. "
Use open body language: look at them, wear a friendly expression, and use a tone similar to if you were explaining that you have an awesome brother or a degree in engineering.
Use the body language that is comfortable to you. You don’t have to sit perfectly still or make eye contact if it feels unnatural to you. Obviously, not all stims are suitable in public. Don’t use stims that invade someone’s personal space (e. g. playing with their hair without permission), and choose non-distracting stims when people are focusing.
“Eye contact feels uncomfortable and distracting to me. I usually look at people’s mouths or shirts so I can focus. " “My listening body language looks a little different from others’. If I’m looking around, fidgeting, or wiggling in my chair, that’s just how I pay attention. " “I’m autistic, and flapping my hands is one of the ways I express happiness. "
The neurodiversity symbol (a rainbow infinity sign),[4] X Research source red for #RedInstead (formerly #WalkInRed),[5] X Research source [6] X Research source and rainbows in general are examples of things to wear. The puzzle piece[7] X Research source [8] X Research source and “light it up blue”[9] X Research source have derogatory connotations, because they are associated with Autism Speaks and messages of fear and pity. [10] X Research source [11] X Trustworthy Source Austistic Self Advocacy Network Nonprofit organization run by and for individuals on the autism spectrum that empowers autistic people through education and public advocacy Go to source [12] X Research source If part of the sale is being donated, make sure that the charity is helpful and not harmful. Some charities increase stigma instead of fighting it.
Exercise can include taking a walk with a friend, biking, rollerblading, stimming, swinging, hiking, and playing with kids. Exercise can be fun! When eating, try to fill at least 1/3 of your plate with fruits and vegetables.
Think about a disabled friend. Would you talk to them the way you talk to yourself? Treat yourself like a friend, and don’t tell yourself things that you wouldn’t say to a friend. Think about your strengths. What are you good at? How do you help others? Think about strengths related to autism (pattern recognition, focus, special interests) and strengths unique to you. Volunteer. Visit a soup kitchen, work at an autism acceptance event, or edit articles about autism or your special interest on wikiHow. Knowing that you help others can help you feel better about yourself. Talk to someone. If you feel sad about yourself, tell a loved one, a doctor, or a therapist. Talking can help you feel better, and if you have an illness like depression, it is the first step to recovery.
