Zumbador1d ago

For people out there who are starting on the "am I autistic" journey, and are feeling the bite of imposter syndrome. Does it help to replace "autistic" with "a person who is allowed to say what their needs are, and claim those needs without having to apologize" ?

You're allowed to do that even if you're not autistic. That doesn't mean it doesn't matter whether or not you're autistic. It does! You need accurate information about yourself. Don't stop that search.

But you're allowed to claim your needs whether or not you are autistic.

You get to decide what your needs are, and who you are. Even if you are not autistic. Even if it's "just" anxiety and depression, that doesn't make you broken or wrong, too sensitive, or too much.

There is nothing shameful about being the way you are, whatever your neuro-status. You are allowed to take up space, and have inconvenient needs, and decide for yourself who you are.

#ActuallyAutistic

Show threadJules
@Zumbador this mindset can also be good when asking for accommodations while not officially diagnosed (or unwilling to disclose a diagnosis): "I am sensitive to noise, that's why I wear headphones", "big crowds are exhausting to me, that why I need downtime afterwards".
Apr 9 at 10:25amWeb
Show threadZumbador1d ago
@quidcumque 💯
Show threadDr. Figuring-things-aut1d ago
@quidcumque @Zumbador yes, this is exactly what I preach at work as well, if you don't want to disclose, be specific about the need you need support with instead. And when managers ask how to talk about it with who they suspect to be neurodivergent I say, just ask the person what their bottlenecks or energy drains are where you can support them!