If We’re All A Little Autistic…

If we’re all a little autistic, then…
Why does itchy clothing exist?

If we’re all a little autistic, then…
Why do most public spaces use horrible florescent lights that flicker and hum?

If we’re all a little autistic, then…
Why do most public spaces play music, and have intrusive announcements instead of blessed silence?

If we’re all a little autistic, then…
Why do restaurants serve so many complicated dishes, instead of simple sensory-friendly foods?

If we’re all a little autistic, then…
Then why is “sitting still” seen as a requirement for learning and professionalism?

If we’re all a little autistic, then…
Why is having a singular passion and expertise considered weird?

If we’re all a little autistic, then…
Why are so many of our social niceties built upon being disingenuous, dishonest, or misleading?

If we’re all a little autistic, then…
Why is speaking concisely, speaking in echolalia, being non-verbal, or using alternatives to speech always so surprising and/or seen as inferior?

If we’re all a little autistic, then…
Why do people stare when they see stimming?

If we’re all a little autistic, then…
Why are basic accommodation requests such as gentler lighting, or less noise met with eye rolls and protests?

If we’re all a little autistic, then…
Why isn’t the world automatically autism-friendly by default?

The answer if very simple.
We are NOT all a little autistic.
This is just another dismissive turn of phrase that diminishes the daily struggles of autistic people, and lets neurotypical people feel better about not being kinder or more accommodating.

This is another saying you might want to consider eliminating from your vocabulary in honor of Autism Awareness and Acceptance Month.

©Ashley Lilley – First time commenting? Please read my Comment Policy.