It's essential to recognize that individuals with ASD are a diverse group, and their reactions may vary based on their personal experiences, coping mechanisms, and self-awareness.
For some individuals with ASD, being told they "don't act autistic" can evoke various emotions and thoughts:
Frustration: It may be frustrating for the individual to hear this statement, as it can imply that others have certain expectations or stereotypes about how someone with autism should behave.
Misunderstood: The person may feel misunderstood or feel that their challenges and struggles associated with autism are being dismissed or invalidated.
Identity confusion: Being told they don't "act autistic" might create a conflict within themselves about their identity. Autism is a neurodevelopmental condition, and it's an inherent part of who they are.
Masking and coping: Some individuals with ASD may have developed coping strategies or learned to "mask" their autistic traits to fit into social situations better. When someone says they don't "act autistic," it could be seen as a result of these coping mechanisms, rather than acknowledging their true experiences.
Anxiousness: The person might become anxious about how they are perceived by others and feel pressured to conform to neurotypical expectations continually.
Education opportunity: On the other hand, some individuals may see it as an opportunity to educate others about autism, breaking stereotypes, and raising awareness.
It's crucial for people to understand that autism is a spectrum, and each individual's experiences and behaviors can vary widely. Making assumptions or generalizations based on appearances or limited interactions is not a fair representation of the challenges and strengths someone with ASD may possess.
As with any interaction, it's essential to be empathetic, sensitive, and understanding when discussing or addressing autism-related topics, and always respect the individual's experiences and perspectives. Using person-first language, such as "person with autism" rather than "autistic person," can also be more respectful as it emphasizes the personhood of the individual. Ultimately, open communication and learning from one another can help build a more inclusive and understanding community.