it’s more sensible to view Autistic identity through a social lens than a strictly medical one.[75]

Autistic person might instead be lost in their own head, and fail to draw a connection between their coworkers departing and the need to check for hunger within themselves.

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.

This can create an exploitative workplace culture, though, where our disabilities are only valued insofar as they generate profit for somebody else.

But more importantly it dulled the razor-sharp edges of reality enough where I could be in a crowded loud area.

hyperconnected;

I think if we want to really confront the role the mask has played in our lives and work on parting with it, it’s important we face just how unsustainable and costly masking has been. We sacrifice a lot of our well-being and individuality in order to seem “normal.”

In media, nearly every Autistic character is a white man with a monotone voice, rude demeanor, and a penchant for science.

“For people-pleasers, we’re so used to working endlessly hard in relationships—it’s disorienting when we aren’t asked to.”