#aspergers stuff

The other day, I reblogged a post in which the OP claimed the above in comparison to their autistic loved one. I was technically diagnosed Aspergers, so this grabbed my attention rather quickly. Hence me asking this now, though I already know the answer:

Aspies are not privileged.

Since Aspies are often considered “high-functioning” enough to “pass” as neurotypical:

1. We’re often going without much needed accommodations. Even our sensory issues are ignored. We’re forced to sit in bright, loud classrooms, with hostile neurotypical children, and sit on chairs that can make a rock feel like a pillow.

2. We’re simply expected to “suck it up”. We’re expected to always use our words, even in non-verbal moments where AAC could be a big help.

3. Stimming is never allowed. Period. If you so much as fidget with a piece of paper, or tap your fingers on the desk, you immediately hear “Quiet Hands!”.

4. Whenever we have a hard time, and find ourselves running out of the classroom, or just shutting down right where we are, our teachers and therapists approach it by teasing or tormenting us before punishing us for things completely out of our control.

(^Feel free to add to this list!)

“But some Aspies can hold down a job!” I hear you typing now. “Some Aspies have friends!” “Some Aspies can make eye contact!”

Doesn’t mean all of us are capable of those things.

Much less, that doesn’t mean there will be days when we “look/act more” autistic. It doesn’t mean we don’t still have sensory needs, and in certain scenarios are still prone to overload.

(“Employer”? What is that?)

And. It certainly doesn’t mean we will ever be “normal”.