Dear Rebels -
There is a lot of misinformation about Autism. As someone who is actually autistic, I want you to know that when you are in a conversation with me...
1. I am giving you my best but know that I WILL NEED A NAP LATER.
2. My Vibes (sound reduction headphones) are for me and are not about you. Don't worry, I can hear you better when I can cut out that low-humming fan behind you.
3. If what we are discussing seems scripted, know it probably was. I think about what I will say to someone long before I actually say it and if thrust into a conversation I wasn't expecting, I will be going over it 1000x after it is over to ensure I didn't miss anything.
4. Knowing when it is my turn to speak, especially during phone conversations, is difficult for me. Text is always better!
5. I know that I don't "look Autistic" but tell me, what does it look like? Normalizing how different we all are is the first step to creating a more inclusive story. Trust what people tell you their experience is and when in doubt...ASK AN AUTISTIC!
Always,
Breanna aka chaosxanarchy