autistic experiences are human experiences
My autism is not something that separates me off from other humans. My autism is something that makes me incredibly human because it is something that only a human being can have
I feel like the work that I do to bring attention to the emotional side of autism is important in helping neurotypicals to understand us. Because neurotypicals can't relate to having extreme sensory sensitivity. Neurotypicals can't relate to having a social deficit. When we talk about our condition in this analytical, almost medical way, we inspire sympathy, which is important. But everyone alive can relate to feeling misunderstood, or not fitting in, or longing for connection. So when we frame autism as a deep and rich and meaningful human experience, which actually gives us a lot of universal, relatable emotions, rather than just a list of difficult traits, we inspire people's empathy. They see a bit of themselves in the way that we seek connection and fail, struggle to find meaning in a world that seems constructed against us, and long to be loved and wanted and given attention. We are simply human beings who are more attuned to the melancholy of being alive and unique and misunderstood than most humans are
And every time I get a comment saying "I'm not autistic but I relate soo much" I feel like I've won.
And every time I get a comment that says "but this isn't autism, that's just being human" my answer is yes. Exactly. Human experiences are autistic experiences because autistic people are human
Helen, I’m so excited that you’re on Substack! I’ve always found that reading content from other autistic individuals highlights experiences I’ve had inside me but never really recognized or labeled until someone else pointed them out. It’s like I’ve been reading my own “book” this whole time, and when we in the autistic community compare notes, I suddenly realize, “Oh my goodness, I saw that passage too!” Once it’s highlighted by someone else, it feels not only real but also interesting and important—like we reach a kind of “escape velocity” together.
I also love how you talk about autism as a deeply human experience. That resonates with me, especially when I think about the idea of “neurotypical” versus “non-autistic.” I was wondering just today if there’s a single, clear “neurotypical” experience, or if it’s really just an umbrella for everyone who doesn’t have the same cluster of traits we do. Your post made me think about that distinction in a new way.
Thank you for trailblazing with longer-form writing and reminding us that autistic experiences are human experiences. Seeing these experiences written out by someone else helps me understand more about who I can be and what I can share. I really adore what you’re doing and can’t wait to read more!
Glad to see you here and looking forward to reading