I do a lot of these things and I’m not autistic. So everyone just chill. Humans have patterns and being guilty of a few does not make one autistc.
Okay everybody! Pack up and go home! Autism traits don’t count if allistics have them in some form or another!
Sensory aversions aren’t real because allistics sometimes don’t like the feel of things.
Sensory overload isn’t real because sometimes allistics have it when they’re anxious.
Meltdowns aren’t real because allistics get worked up sometimes.
Stimming isn’t real because allistics fidget.
Special interests aren’t real because allistics like things.
It’s almost as if autism is most likely a result of an increased amount of synaptic activity that causes an overwhelming amount of the data everyone else gets in smaller amounts which wears us out and has us clinging more to things like familiarity that everyone benefits from to some degree…
But you know, what do I know? It’s not as if I’m an autistic woman whose area of research is this exact thing- Oh, wait, no, that’s exactly what I am!
And just, you know, to lay off the sarcasm for a moment.
Quoted from the DSM V autism criteria:
“Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, as manifested by at least two of the following, currently or by history (examples are illustrative, not exhaustive; see text): […] 3. Highly restricted, fixated interests that are abnormal in intensity or focus (e.g., strong attachment to or preoccupation with unusual objects, excessively circumscribed or perseverative interests).”
And the ICD-10:
“The condition is also characterized by restricted, repetitive, and stereotyped patterns of behaviour, interests, and activities. These take the form of a tendency to impose rigidity and routine on a wide range of aspects of day-to day functioning; this usually applies to novel activities as well as to familiar habits and play patterns.”
Now, you might have some issues with these diagnostic criteria, I know that I’ve got enough to write a master’s dissertation, but that’s what we’re currently working from.
Defaulting to familiar patterns of behaviour and a reluctance to try new things are literally part of the diagnostic criteria for autism.
Side note: a lot of people have reblogged this and said/tagged with something along the lines of “I do this and I’m not autistic” and that’s fine. Misdiagnosis/diagnostic neglect is extremely common – particularly among women, PoC, and adults – and it’s entirely possible to have autistic traits and not have autism. A lot of developmental disorders/specific learning difficulties have overlap. Autism and ADHD have a ton of overlap. Same with dyspraxia. I don’t mind people identifying with my posts about autism if they don’t currently identify as autistic. I do take exception to someone telling me to “chill” after I’ve made a post about my life and area of academic research.
I wish people would stop invalidating us like this. I was talking to my friend about being autistic and a NT girl – I wasn’t even talking to her – just kept responding “oh my god same, you’re literally just normal”.
My mom just told me I need to eat for her sake. Not to make sure I take care of myself, not to make sure I’m healthy, not to make sure I don’t slip into the eating disorder again she still won’t acknowledge that I had/have.
But because she doesn’t want to deal with me when I’m “grumpy”. “For the sake of the rest of the people in the house who have to deal with you, please eat from now on”
Eat because your body needs the energy.
Eat because ballerinas aren’t skinny petite girls, they’re strong women with muscles and energy and passion.
Eat because your body took you all the way to who you are today and you should be thankful for that.
Eat because you can’t do ballet when you’re passing out because of malnutrition.
Eat because a glowing body and a healthy smile are better than a fragile, hairy body with a sad smile.
Eat because all the “calories” are nothing compared to the life and vitamins in your body.
Eat because we want to have many more years of you and it’d be sad if we wouldn’t get to see your blog on our dashes anymore.
Eat because it’s so much better than slowly dying.
Hey all you lovely people who have periods, the world is starting to look a little bit brighter now that certain tampon/pad companies have started to allow people to receive small kits and samples of pads, maxi pads, liner, and tampons for free. And I mean 100% free and discreet. You just have to give them your address and name, and bam! You’ve got all the menstrual cycle products you could ever need for no cost. Links below!
ifesbob 