Autism is not something I need to apologize for. Other people don’t need to understand me, or understand everything about Autism, in order to treat me with respect. I am [coming out/asking for accommodations] for me, not for anyone else.

Most of us are haunted by the sense there’s something “wrong” or “missing” in our lives—that we’re sacrificing far more of ourselves than other people in order to get by and receiving far less in return.

Unmasking in one’s living environment means detaching from expectations about how one “should” live, first and foremost.

I think examining the origins of your mask can help you identify some of the deep-seated fears that drive your need to wear it.

If the white guy in question has an advanced degree or a desirable skill set, such as the ability to code, being a bit difficult to deal with doesn’t necessarily get in his way. In fact, for some Autistic men in tech, being a bit arrogant or cold can work to their advantage.

divergent design should honor the unique relationships Autistic people have to objects.

When society first starts flirting with accepting a marginalized group, that acceptance is often wrapped up in a born this way type narrative.

He centered them in his life.

He was the first Autistic person I ever knew, and how he was treated was instructive to me.