It can be difficult to know when, how, or even if to disclose one’s autism diagnosis to others. There is no “right” answer, and what works for one person may not work for another. The following are some general considerations to keep in mind when making the decision to self-disclose.
Benefits of self-disclosure: Self-disclosure can help reduce anxiety around social interactions, increase understanding and empathy from others, and provide a sense of relief and validation. Additionally, it can open up opportunities for accommodations and support.
Drawbacks of self-disclosure: There is always the possibility that others will react negatively, either out of ignorance or malice. Additionally, self-disclosing could lead to discrimination in employment or other areas of life.
The timing of self-disclosure: There is no “perfect” time to self-disclose, but it is generally advisable to do so before any major life changes (e.g., starting a new job, moving to a new town) that might make it more difficult.
Who to tell: This is a personal decision, but it may be helpful to start with close family and friends before moving on to others. It is also important to consider the relationship between the person you are disclosing to and their ability to keep your information confidential.
How to tell: Again, there is no one right way to do this. Be prepared for questions and be honest about what you are comfortable discussing. It may be helpful to have some resources (e.g., books, articles, websites) on hand to share with others who want to learn more about autism.
Above all, remember that you have the right to self-disclose (or not) as you see fit. There is no “correct” way to go about it, so do what feels right for you.
Autism self-acceptance
Every autistic person is unique, and there is no single experience of autism. If you’re looking for more information about what it means to be autistic, there are lots of resources available.
One of the most important things you can do if you’re on the autism spectrum is to find a community of other autistic people. There are lots of online communities, such as the wrongplanet.net forums, that can be a great place to start. There are also in-person support groups available in many cities. Getting connected with other autistic people will help you feel less alone and can provide valuable support and advice.
It’s also important to remember that you are not defined by your diagnosis. Just because you are autistic does not mean that you are any less of a person. In fact, there are many things about being autistic that can be strength, such as your attention to detail or your ability to think outside the box. Embrace the things that make you unique and don’t be afraid to be yourself.
The most important thing is to accept yourself for who you are. Autism is just one part of who you are – it doesn’t define you as a person. Learning to accept and embrace your autism can be a difficult journey, but it’s one that is worth taking.
Autism acceptance in society
Despite the challenges associated with autism, many people with the condition lead happy and fulfilling lives. In recent years, there has been a growing movement toward acceptance and inclusion of people with autism.
This movement has been led by both autistic people themselves and allies who want to see a more inclusive society. One of the main goals of the autism acceptance movement is to promote understanding and support for people with autism and their families.
There are many ways to get involved in promoting autism acceptance. One way is to learn more about the condition and how it affects those who live with it. This can help to dispel myths and misconceptions about autism.
Another way to support autism acceptance is to be an advocate for inclusive policies and practices. This could involve speaking up for the rights of people with autism, or working to make changes in your community to make it more inclusive for all.
No matter how you choose to get involved, supporting autism acceptance is a way to help create a more inclusive world for everyone.
Celebrate neurodiversity
The neurodiversity movement is a social justice movement that seeks to recognize and celebrate the inherent differences in the way that different people’s brains are wired. The neurodiversity movement also challenges the idea that there is anything “wrong” or “defective” about being autistic or having any other form of neurodivergence.
The neurodiversity movement began in the late 1990s, within the autistic community itself. The term “neurodiversity” was first coined by autistic activist Judi Chamberlin in her book on psychiatric survivor activism, On Our Own Terms: Psychiatric Rights and Consumer/Survivor/Ex-Patients (1997).
The neurodiversity movement has since grown to include other groups of neurodivergent people, such as those with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), dyslexia, and Tourette syndrome. The neurodiversity movement is sometimes referred to as the “neurodiversity paradigm” or the “neurodiversity perspective.”
The neurodiversity perspective challenges the medical model of autism, which views autism as a disease to be cured. Instead, the neurodiversity perspective views autism as a natural variation in the human brain. This perspective has led to the embrace of the autistic identity by many autistics and has inspired a social movement to fight for the rights of all neurodivergent people.
The neurodiversity movement has four main goals:
- To challenge the idea that there is anything “wrong” or “defective” about being autistic or having any other form of neurodivergence.
- To promote the idea of autism as a natural variation in the human brain.
- To fighting for the rights of all neurodivergent people.
- To celebrate the inherent differences in the way that different people’s brains are wired.