You might be Autistic if…
Well, for starters, you might be Autistic if you love lists! I know I definitely fall into that camp.
Many questioning Autistics take to the internet for answers and what they find is list after list of what’s “wrong” with them. What “symptoms” they have. These lists are put together by non-Autistics and they are…wrong. They view us from the assumption that the allistic way of doing things is natural and superior. They assume that anything that deviates from the majority is “disordered,” as opposed to a natural part of human diversity. Defining any minority group based on what the privileged majority assumes about them is dangerous and inevitably false.
Defining Autistics from an assumption of disorder is not only ableist, it also makes it difficult for un-identified Autistics to see themselves as part the Autistic community—denying them the belonging, understanding, and cultural ties that they so deserve. So, I created this list of things that Autistics commonly commiserate about. If you read this and it feels familiar, then welcome. We have great snacks!
You might be Autistic if…
feel like an alien on strange planet
love humanity, but hate people
have ever been the president of a fan club
wonder why no one cares as deeply about things as you do
tend to speak in movie or book quotes
love to show people your collections
hide at parties
dress up at midnight showings
have been called obsessive about your hobbies
have a preferred cup or glass (and by preferred I mean, an absolute necessity)
you’re hyper empathetic and can feel other people’s emotions as if they were your own
have ever gone so deep into a new hobby that you forget to eat, sleep, or use the bathroom
often experience people thinking you’re joking when you’re serious, and then thinking you’re serious when you’re joking
bring a hobby with wherever you think it will be tollerated (crochet, magic tricks, cards, iPad so you can watch your boats…)
have—more than once—had someone thought you were plastered drunk when you were actually stone-sober
got straight A’s, but the teachers still didn’t like you because you were “challenging”
tell people about your hobby when people ask what you’ve been up to lately
have an emotional-support water bottle you take everywhere
like to bring up your pets and work them into most conversations
have a catchphrase or signature noise/sound
have been called an “over-sharer”
were considered a tattle-tale
have been told that you’re “quirky”…a lot
prefer socializing with animals more than with people
ask if you can order off of the kids menu (as an adult)
need to follow a personalized morning routine or else you feel “off” ALL day
are a woman and have been diagnosed borderline personality disorder…even though you abhor impulsivity and reckless behavior
identify as an Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) with social anxiety
purposely study how to be a better friend, but still struggle to make or maintain friendships
spent more time sorting your toys than playing with them
have a season pass to the Renaissance Faire
wrote dark, moody poetry as a teenager
have a season pass to Disneyland
think small talk is pointless, dull, and a lot like lying
host game nights
are well-known on fan boards
have battled anorexia nervosa (yep, we’re highly susceptible)
like to start conversations with, “Fun fact…”
wear sunglasses and/or a hat anytime you leave your home
need your backpack/tote full of your stuff with you everywhere you go
have ever explained the merits of a label maker or binder system
call fictional characters your “friends”
prefer your own imagination over most conversations
like to look things up for fun
Maybe you saw yourself on this list, maybe not—all Autistics are valid! What would you add to this list? Tell me in the comments!
Want another list about Autistic culture? Check out Popular Autistic Pastimes.