Honestly, since my Autistic arse got diagnosed earlier this year, I’ve seen & heard a lot of things related to, and around what it means to be Autistic. And of course, how we are ‘perceived’ to those who are not Autistic (neurotypical) themselves. From what I have gathered thus far, is that ‘We’, are (straightaway) assumed to be giant arseholes!

Now, there appears to be a main ‘denominator’ here, as to why Autistic people get such a reputation… And from what I’ve gathered – it comes down to the fact that we are, incredibly honest and have a STRONG sense of justice! This seems to be problematic with most people, unless it suits them. From my experience it’s normally those who have something(s) to hide! They use people (like myself), to direct the attention towards – whenever they feel so much as an eyelash, go towards them in their direction! unfortunately, it seems like it’s always a neurotypical person who does/acts like this. I’ve seen with my own eyes, people outright lying to each other when they don’t need to. I’ve witnessed friends betraying friends – being amazing to their faces yet, behind their backs, their actions tell a different story! I’ve seen people shift their loyalty around effortlessly, to suit their own narrative so they can avoid taking accountability for their own actions! Yet, ‘we’ are the arseholes? Because we say what we mean, and mean what we say? Being socially awkward has nothing to do with being a good or bad person. It’s all about the ‘intent’ behind it.

It took me until just recently, to realise that I don’t need to associate myself, or be around those, who practice those types of behaviours (in order to ‘survive’ in this world it seems!). What is wrong with the truth? I’m often told that I am very blunt, and I’m the one who ‘says what everyone else’s thinking’! – I’ll never understand why people can’t be honest? Why agree to something you don’t?!.. who’s the beneficiary? People wonder why they’re miserable yet, they allow others to dictate their Own ‘truths’.

I’m lucky that the very few friends I have in my circle, are trustworthy and honest people themselves! And most importantly, they don’t think I’m an arsehole due to how honest I am – if anything, they commend it! That’s because, they know that I come from a good place with no bad intent. Like, if they were to ask me for my honest opinion, they’d get exactly that (what they asked for – me being a literal thinker, aids this ‘trait’), as I can’t sugar coat or disguise things very well, I guess that comes down to me not really understanding why everything has to be ‘bitesized’ in order for people to handle it (the truth) better… I’ve found (in my life) that I’ve had to accept all the thoughts and opinions, others had on me without the ‘spoonful of sugar’ to help it go down! I guess this is where I have to do some accepting also, as neurotypical people cannot help the way that ‘they think’ (they can form an understanding/acceptance of neurodiversity of course), just like I (we) cannot help the way ‘I (we) think’.

So, in conclusion – if we come across as an arsehole (mainly due to delivery), please just have a listen to what we’re actually saying. Because you’ll know it’ll always be truthful!

Until next time,

T