Yohan Yukiya Sese Cuneta 사요한🦣

How do you define the term, “Openly Autistic”?

* Is it an autistic person who rarely masks?
* Or, an autistic who isn't afraid and/or shy to share that they are actually autistic?
* Or, an autistic person who is active in the autism acceptance “movement” (if we can call it that)?
* Or, perhaps, an autistic who were interviewed and disclosed they're autistic?

Maybe you have other considerations or criteria that defines “openly autistic” for you?

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NOTE: Being openly autistic is a choice and is _not_ for everyone. I think it is safe to say that we all face discrimination, stereotyping, and prejudice for being actually autistics, thus, most choose not to be open about it.

However, recently, there has been a slow growth in numbers of openly autistics, and like with most things in life, we have different criteria, definitions, and cultural considerations.

Thus, I am curious what _you_ think, personally or maybe your immediate environment or organisation, is an openly autistic person. Or, when do you consider one as openly autistic.

Again, this is not about if an autistic person should be openly autistic or not. ^_^

Thank you for your interesting insights!

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* Autism symbol by: MissLunaRose12
* License: CC By-SA 4.0 International
* Source: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Autism_Symbol_Proposed_2.png

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Tags: #OpenlyAutistic #OpenlyAutistics #ActuallyAutistic #ActuallyAutistics #AskingAutistics #Autistic #Autistics #Autism #AutismSpectrum #AutismAwareness #AutismAcceptance

Groups: @autistics @actuallyautistic

File:Autism Symbol Proposed 2.png - Wikimedia Commons

Apr 9, 2024 at 6:08amWeb
Show threadManonApr 9, 2024

@youronlyone @autistics @actuallyautistic

That‘s an interesting question.

My definition is your second option: someone who isn’t afraid of sharing they are autistic. In this definition, I‘m openly autistic.

Like you said, there’s no point in discussing whether anyone should or shouldn’t be openly autistic. I consider it a privilege to be able to be open about it.

Show threadFinnbarApr 9, 2024
@youronlyone @autistics @actuallyautistic Great thought experiment. For me, being openly autistic means not to fear or hide the problems that it gives me. Even if I don't say I'm autistic, I'll still be open enough to ask for help or at least say, "I struggle with x". By this definition, being more open is something I think all autistic people should aim for.
Show threadYohan Yukiya Sese Cuneta 사요한🦣Apr 9, 2024

@finnbar_m Ooh, that's a good point.

If not a direct “I'm autistic”, at least in asking for help.

Thank you for sharing!

@autistics @actuallyautistic

Show threadSean C.Apr 9, 2024

@youronlyone i'm very newly diagnosed and as i look back on my life not sure i ever really masked since i had other attributes that led people to treat me badly anyway.

i have been open about my diagnosis with the few people i interact with but also not broadcasting at the moment.

also, i am debating about disclosing at work, not because i think it will improve the shitty treatment i get, but it might give me a basis for a future discrimination claim.

@autistics @actuallyautistic

Show threadYohan Yukiya Sese Cuneta 사요한🦣Apr 10, 2024

@filmfreak75

Welcome and congratulations, you've learned more about yourself. ^_^ And I'm sorry about the experiences you've had, it is true there are still a lot of discrimination, in and out of work.

If I may share, disclosing at work is 50-50. The first time I disclosed it at a new job, it didn't work well. It was either only lip service or they don't know how and what to do with the information. I tried explaining, but they really were not flexible. It's all about “by the book” and “company policy”.

In another company, they were more open and understanding, and even appreciated I disclosed it with them.

I think, at least based on my personal experience, it really comes down to the people in position if they themselves truly care. If they are willing to meet us halfway so we can work together to find a good working condition for all parties involved.

Company policies are there as a guideline only, not “the rule of law”. Unfortunately, some people in management treats it as “the law” (in the voice of Judge Dredd, haha), which in turn makes it harder for everyone, especially us who are neurodivergent.

Another factor to consider, re: disclosing at work, your local laws. If you'll gain more benefits (like tax breaks) and protection, it is something to consider. At least here in my country, if you don't disclose it, you won't be able to receive the benefits (as the employer have to ask you for documents so they can officially file it).

Hope it helps in some way. ^_^

@autistics @actuallyautistic