Everybody Is a Little Neurodivergent

One of the most frustrating things I've come across as someone on the autism spectrum, , is when people casually say, "but you look normal," or brush it off with, "everyone is a little autistic." These comments, even if meant to be nice or supportive, can really hurt because they show a big misunderstanding about what it's like to live with invisible disabilities.

Invisible disabilities like autism and DCCs aren't obvious at first glance. They're beneath the surface, which often means there's a gap between how someone seems and what they're actually dealing with inside. This gap can make you feel isolated because it’s hard for others to get the full picture of what we're going through.

When someone tells me I "look normal," it dismisses the real struggles that I, and many others, face every day. It implies that if we don't match a certain stereotype, our challenges aren't real.

Saying "everyone is a little autistic/neurodivergent" downplays the wide spectrum of autism and DCCs and oversimplifies the unique experiences of those living with it. These aren't just a collection of quirks that everyone has; it includes a wide range of experiences and challenges that differ greatly from person to person. Comments like these can spread misunderstandings and make it harder for neurodiverse people to be taken seriously.

Also, I’m not really a fan of the whole “high/low functioning” labels either. Saying someone is low functioning can overlook their skills and talents, the unique ways they stand out. Similarly, calling someone high functioning can ignore the challenges and struggles they face that aren’t obvious from the outside.

The hurt from these misunderstandings gets worse because many people feel awkward about things they don't fully get. This discomfort can lead to avoiding or dismissing us, pushing those with invisible disabilities further away. Without the right knowledge or empathy to understand what autism or a DCC or any other neurodiverse condition really involves, people might make generalizations or assumptions that can be damaging.

If you're tuned into social interactions and the nuances of language, you can spot ableism pretty easily. It shows up in different forms, from small slights to outright discrimination, often in comments people make without thinking about their impact. These remarks can keep stigma alive and make it harder for people with disabilities to find understanding, acceptance, and support.

To tackle these challenges, it's crucial to raise awareness and educate people about invisible disabilities. By promoting understanding and empathy, we can build a more inclusive world where people aren't just judged by what you see but are also acknowledged and respected for their internal battles. Changing how we see things is key to breaking down the harmful stereotypes and misconceptions that still exist, leading to a greater appreciation for the rich diversity of human experiences.