Category: parenting
I want to talk about the physical health of autistic people and how the gaslighting of our sensory sensitivities teaches us to ignore our pain - whether it be physical or sensory. There are many reasons why you shouldn't gaslight an autistic person's sensory sensitivities, but this is a really important one.
I just watched the movie Sound of Metal and it is by far the most relatable experience of my hyperacusis and auditory sensitivity that I have ever seen and heard on film.
There are a few assumptions neurotypical people have when it comes to tone of voice when anyone talks. I'll clarify them here.
Has your child just been diagnosed, or is likely autistic? Are you a therapist/teacher/researcher who is working with autistic kids? Start here! I answer the 5 most common questions I've seen from parents of autistic kids.
Honestly, this misinterpretation of my signals is one of the things I have struggled with the most for my entire life. It’s caused me a lot of fear and pain. And so many non-autistic people don’t see it. They don’t see the problem and they don’t see how they misinterpret me. To them, I don’t have a disability, I am just judgment #1, judgment #2, and judgment #3.
My autistic traits were obvious! But the Spoiled Brat archetype worked against the assumption that I needed support, and instead adults believed I needed chastising or ignoring.
[This post was also published at NeuroClastic. For new posts from me, head to my author profile on NeuroClastic.] Miscommunication and misinterpretation of autistic people happens very early in life. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” Or in modern language, "Treat other people as you would like to be treated." … Continue reading How “The Golden Rule” Harms Autistic People
*Photo by Katerina Holmes on Pexels.com It is hard to know what other people expect from you when growing up in general (and when you're autistic). Most expectations other people have of you are not explicit, even from a young age. That ambiguity can make you go to extremes (i.e. perfectionism) to make sure that … Continue reading Literalness, Uncertainty, and Perfectionism
Essentially, by not providing that social response, people can read whatever they want into my still/unsmiling face. This explains to me why I often become the backboard of people's emotions and assumptions.
[Disclaimer: This post is targeted towards parents, as I have been seeing a lot of parents recently ask about what to do about their child's behaviors (trying to figure out what is best for them, and asking autistic people). Similar versions of this can happen as autistic adults, especially when people misinterpret us as complaining … Continue reading Anxiety Looks Like Anger
Autistic Science Person 