#autism #autistic #neurodivergent
I’ve always been called a sensitive kid growing up. I’ve always been smart and brainy and always have felt like an alien visiting Earth.
I grew up and went out in the world and found people who wear the label of “autistic” with pride and I started learning about “neurodivergence.”
After my suicide attempt, I started looking at my behaviors and tendencies and realized that I may have been “masking” my whole life.
CONT ->
I’ve always been called a sensitive kid growing up. I’ve always been smart and brainy and always have felt like an alien visiting Earth.
I grew up and went out in the world and found people who wear the label of “autistic” with pride and I started learning about “neurodivergence.”
After my suicide attempt, I started looking at my behaviors and tendencies and realized that I may have been “masking” my whole life.
CONT ->
Church of Jeff •
Most of my friends in adulthood exhibit lots of autistic traits and many have official diagnoses.
I have been building boundaries after my suicide attempt and that means unmasking and not flatly let things happen to me without saying a word as to not make any disruptions to the people around me.
This has pushed my behavior more into the realm of recognized autistic behaviors.
All my friends seem to recognize me as autistic.
CONT ->
Church of Jeff •
I don’t believe in self-diagnosis in general and especially in mental/psychological realms, as the tool being used for diagnosis may be compromised.
My friends said something profound when he mentioned how he was happier once he was diagnosed as autistic and he was normal and didn’t need the antidepressants to fix the anxiety and depression of masking and not fitting in.
My big question is…
CONT ->
Church of Jeff •
My question is, is self-diagnosis of autism a truly valid conclusion/diagnosis or a new-age internet phenomena to allow people to act entitled with disregard for others?
I certainly still do mask my emotions and remain in torturous situations I am forced to endure, but isn’t that being an adult and focusing on the wellbeing and comfort of others?
Of course, there is no binary answer and everything is situational, but these are the things I think about.
Hugs4friends ♾🇺🇦 🇵🇸😷 •
ADHD, ADD, & Bipolar, are far more acceptable, because they can be treated with drugs. Neurodivergence in the form of Aspergers, is acceptable to Allists because of their prejudices.
Self-realisation harms no-one. Denial of one's differing needs harms the autist.
These are my opinions, garnered from research, and our Autistic Community here on Mastodon. I am a self-realised #ActuallyAutisticElder
Bernie Sadly Does It •
Hugs4friends ♾🇺🇦 🇵🇸😷 •
Goiterzan/Amygdalai Lama •