It’s been said that refusing to perform neurotypicality is like refusing to put on a mask. In a society that often values conformity, those of us who don’t conform can feel like we’re constantly swimming upstream. We’re different, and that can be difficult.
But it’s important to remember that being different is not a bad thing. In fact, it can be a good thing. It means we think outside the box, we’re creative, and we have the ability to see the world in a different way.
Those of us who don’t conform to societal norms often have to work a little harder to find our place in the world. But it’s important to remember that we have just as much value as anyone else. We just have to find our own way to shine.
In the book Unmasking Autism it is said:
“Refusing to perform neurotypicality is a revolutionary act of disability justice. It’s also a radical act of self-love.” Devon Price, Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity
Is it an injustice to try to be normal?
The pressure to become something you’re not is immense. It can come from others, or it can come from within. Either way, it’s a lot of pressure to deal with.
When the pressure comes from others, it can be because they expect more from you than you feel you can give. They may see potential in you that you don’t see in yourself, or they may just have different standards than you do. Either way, it can be very stressful to try and meet the expectations of others.
When the pressure comes from within, it can be because you feel like you’re not good enough as you are. You may feel like you need to change in order to be happy, or to be successful. This can be a very difficult pressure to deal with, because it’s coming from yourself.
The pressure to become something you’re not is a difficult thing to deal with. It can be stressful and overwhelming. But it’s important to remember that you are the only one who gets to decide who you are. You are the only one who gets to decide what you want to be. So don’t let the pressure get to you. Don’t let it change who you are.
Ask yourself the question, is not being yourself a form of discriminatory requirement?
People with autism may experience discrimination in many areas of their lives. They may be passed over for jobs or promotions, excluded from social activities, or teased and bullied by neurotypical people. In some cases, people with autism may be denied access to services or accommodations that would allow them to work while being who they are.
Discrimination against people with autism is often rooted in misunderstanding and ignorance. People with autism are not disabled or impaired in their ability to think or feel; they simply process information and interact with the world in a different way. With education and understanding, we can create a more inclusive society that values and respects people with autism for the unique individuals they are.
If being forced by external standards to not be yourself, the effects on your mental health should be self-observed. There is nothing wrong with being autistic, so be yourself.