Why I Dislike The Autism Community - Honest Opinion

[@IndieAndy]

Hi guys! Please be kind to each other down here and if you see something you disagree with, please try and be respectful. I don't want my words, my video to be the cause of distress to anyone 😟 also as I said in the video, this video is my own opinion as an individual, as an person of the community. If you disagree with what I've said here, that's absolutely fine because for me I've had these thoughts on my mind for awhile and they were really tearing me up mentally. So I'll repeat, please be respectful, be kind and be mindful of differing opinions and viewpoints. Andy❤️

[@pastichegraham]

Hey! Yeah!! I get it Andy! :)

[@IndieAndy]

Hi Gary! Some points are the same however some are new. But it doesn't matter because it's still all stuff that continues to be on my mind.

[@IndieAndy]

@@garyfrancis5015 To be clear, it's thoughts I've had for awhile and thoughts I've previously talked about on KZbin and elsewhere which I wanted to address again.

[@riannamajzoub5241]

Hi, I know someone and used to be great friends with multiple individuals who behave just like this. I call them Neuroseparatists or pro-Establishment Insiders which mean they are really in it all for themselves and not for the good of "others". The worst part is that the one chick in question is sitting Chapter leader of #ASAN in upstate New York(yes the cliquey thing was her pet peeve and thought she was over the top). One pet peeve is that she also is ignorant of other people with special needs. I have had to learn not to be one of these cause its about practicing what you preach.

[@randellporter3999]

I agree

[@aroace102]

I hate how they say severe autism doesn't exist (it does,my brother's sister is severely autistic and can't care for herself),and hate how you can't use the labels you like without getting bashed. And they treat NTs like they're Hitler.

[@jackgrant9301]

I'm not too keen on the term autism. I prefer aspergers or high functioning autism. I think it's important to differentiate between someone like me and someone who cant speak or whatever. I think it devalues your sisters experiences. If autism becomes the word for a specific level of autism, then people aren't going to appreciate your sisters difficulties.

[@XavierP333]

That's people who don't know what it's like dealing with autistic an person 24/7. And people who are in denial of the reality of caring for an autistic person. They refuse to accept the harsh reality because fear of being bashed by everyone else. So they keep quiet and say they have a "perfect child" or a "blessing from God" when it's truly not. At least you admit it and I respect that, it's hell dealing with an autistic person, I know this because I care for an autistic child, he is 7, he needs constant prompting, constant monitoring because he may hurt himself or another kid. He needs assistance to eat, dress, bathe. He throws tantrums, yells, meltdowns, spits, bites, he hits himself. Mild autism and severe autism does exist. Some autistic kids are mellow, while others that have severe autism can't depend on themselves even during adulthood and have the mentality of a 3 year old in a teenagers body. It's a medical fact. But some people in the autism community hate labels and don't accept reality. At the end of the day, denial of reality isn't helping. Because it's like refusing help. again.. at least you do and I respect that.

[@Nin_the_Shinobi]

Maybe it's got something to do with trauma why they compare NT to Hitler 🤔

[@gigahorse1475]

@@Nin_the_Shinobi Everyone has an excuse for their bigotry. Is trauma an excuse for autism moms to treat autistic people badly?

[@brianmeen2158]

@@Nin_the_Shinobibut they are doing the same thing to NTs as they claim NTs do to them - that’s the problem

[@lysagreen2314]

Sadly, what I have found since being diagnosed last December, is that there is a certain amount of "gatekeeping" in ASD sites/groups. No two people with autism are the same. We are individuals, with our own thoughts and opinions. What I find sad, is that many of us have been excluded, judged, and ridiculed our whole lives. Most of us KNOW how that feels, and how this treatment has affected us. The Autism community should be more accepting, not less. What is the purpose of cutting another person down, based of differences; verbal semantics or otherwise? Isn't this the same treatment we may have received from NT people for being "different"? I agree with you on this 100%.

[@IndieAndy]

Yeah exactly it doesn't make sense does it? Though when the community works together, this is less of a thing but of course we are all going to have differences, it's only normal. But it's so wrong to ostracise people for this reason you know.

[@nunchuckdaddy6417]

@Mjolnir C. it's them trying to have the power and control they lack in their real lives online. Reddit and Discord mods are monsters [and child fiddlers in a shocking amount of cases (mostly no-contact)] for that exact reason. Personally, I wouldn't bother with these groups and try to find friends/company through common interest instead of common diagnosis.

[@blakeantinori2107]

The autism community is not some sort of hivemind. We all have diverse experiences, opinions and values

[@polyanthesis]

It's not gatekeeping, it's just that some of us don't see it as a disease, so we don't carry it around like a bag. When someone says they're a person with autism, I figure they're ashamed of that part of their identity or they don't see it as a part of themselves. I guess i'm not interested in being around someone who wants to be neurotypical instead of honest.

[@guyman2674]

​@@polyanthesis Idk, seems pretty unfair and ignorant to judge another autistic person for having a hard time accepting their own autism. Some of us just don't have very good experiences with it.

[@dragonite87]

I call myself autistic but I dont care if someone says "person with autism". Both are technically correct.

[@tangerinefizz11]

One thing that annoys me about the autism community is their tendency to shut down neurotypical parents who express frustration with regard to their experiences raising autistic kids. People should be allowed to vent without being censured! I'm autistic, by the way.

[@IndieAndy]

I agree with this! Even though I may not agree with how a parents advocates online. That shouldn't mean myself or others should silence them you know 👍

[@nunchuckdaddy6417]

This is incredibly toxic and potentially harmful for the kids. Parents need to be able to vent and complain same as those of neuro typical people. It's only when they feel comfortable enough to do so that they can reach out to also get help from other parents and people with ASD. If they can't vent online it'll eventually end in them venting at their children or going into unhealthy behaviours such as alcoholism.

[@IndieAndy]

Yeah agreed! To be honest now I tend to stay away from parent led stuff as I know it's not my thing however of course I wouldn't shut a parent down for saying something "wrong" if that makes sense. We should all be able to vent or ask for help!

[@kendinhvu]

As an autistic man, I agree as the sad part of all this is that there are autistic kids who have to stay dependent on services or caretakers for the rest of their lives. This can be mentally draining and expensive for parents, who are already stressed out and frustrated so it doesn't help to bully them with toxic positivity or deny them space to express themselves. In fact, groups like Autism Speaks have mislead some of them and exploited these stories for their own personal gain (another reason why I dislike them).

[@user-qc1mc2ly8j]

Yeah being rude to neurotypical parents is bad but If the parent said they seriously thought of driving themselves and their little child off a bridge because it's hard to deal with them is Uh.. pretty bad.

[@Noah60]

personally i dont like any communities because they all have people way too much obsessed and think the community is their personality and people get overly defensive when it isnt in any way an attack to them. people get too emotional and i am a native french speaker and no matter the community, being sometimes limited in the moment with words to reply on the spot, i would get bashed and then have to clarify english isnt my first language, and that all i wanted was to learn or have a mindful and respectful discussion (view from a fellow autistic person)

[@IndieAndy]

Hmm yeah I guess so. Also if the community is generally English when your 1st language isn't it English, that is quite hard I'd imagine.

[@bloodypommelstudios7144]

Identity politics attracts the kind of person who is perpetually offended and think they have the right to speak for everyone. These people also shout the loudest.

[@IndieAndy]

Hmm indeed! But sometimes the people who shout the loudest don't always have the answers. Think it takes abit of both to get conversations going.

[@tttt5955]

Literally and figuratively

[@martinpetersson4350]

Autistic people are influenced by the media just like everyone else (social learning) and since the media is reinforcing intolerance towards anyone who brings up certain serious issues with complete honesty then people who know no better who are easily influenced will dehumanize you and they will avoid trying to understand other perspectives and cultural issues across the globe but again it's nothing in any way exclusive to autism. They suffer from authority bias. I think most autistic people are cool btw usually they're less judgmental than normal people there's more acceptance among us for being ourselves I feel, instead of being obedient, forcing others to conform in the face of pathological social norms. The media is used to deliberately shape our perceptions about society and ourselves.

[@nathanaelashnonmusic2615]

What also pisses me off is when people shut conversations down because I wanna talk about my disorder and why it does what it does to me. It's a big ass mystery and I wanna get to the middle of it but no one wants to listen.

[@ophiophagush.3926]

Mostly agree. Most of my real world autistic friends don’t engage with the online communities for these very reasons. We have a very noisy minority, who think they speak for the majority and dog pile any one who disagree or who dares to use the wrong language. Think the hyper focus on autism being an “identity” is the crucial cause, rather than considering autism as a quality of people as individuals. Agree, there are bigger fish to fry eg abuse of autistic people, poorer health outcomes, unemployment and so on. Say no to the cultists.

[@hinachan1436]

I agree. I feel like this word autism is becoming like a trend on social media which makes them feel like they have power over others and even have the entitlement to make an excuse to lash out when in reality they’re not making an single effort to manage their anger ,they think they’re winning a conversation by walking all over people and jumping into conclusion labeling others as ableists, they think they can win by calling people ableist bc that would make them the victim . And I’m talking about some crazy people on social media.The thing with communication is , we don’t argue to win we do so to understand each other ,not attack someone like a territorial wild animal or silence people using your mental disorder as a privilege to do it, but the problem with some of these people with mental issues is they think it’s okay to make it their mental health’s fault that they lose temper and become aggressive towards others. I don’t believe that, if they have the ability to create an account online and join communities and speak up for the community I think you can do better than making your aggressive behavior mental health’s fault.

[@lillypilly6440]

I agree that there are really important issues like the ones you mentioned. Young autistic people need to be taught hie to recognize red flags with abusive people and how to avoid them. They also need help dealing and coping with trauma.

[@TheMaximus60]

Do you mean :KVLTISTS

[@iquestionexistence8730]

I agree, I don’t understand why some people in the community, albeit a small minority, feel the need to be negative towards people who ask genuine questions because they want to learn about the personal experiences of autistic people. Luckily for me, the vast majority of people in the community that I have interacted with online have been pleasant towards me and others c:

[@IndieAndy]

Hi there! Don't get me wrong, the majority are really nice and open to answer questions. But I feel there is a divide and a more negative part which tints the rest of the community you know.

[@joshuaestrada6042]

Yeah I actually like it when people ask about my autism cause It helps them understand me and my awkward social Grace's and why sometimes common sense can be a foreign subject

[@samuelauthier6846]

That's nice Well I don't even bother with autism evens or social evens anymore due to my difficult experience in special education with child only experience teachers & pessimistic negative Nancys should be bout ones individual function level & stability rather than how misconception it's reputation is also many autism families that I have known are very greedy keeping their child from learning mature conversations & realistic topics in places like Virginia it's alot worse

[@lillypilly6440]

I wish the community would talk about how to deal with things like trauma and how to read the signs of abusive people and how to avoid them. I wish they were more about physical health, good nutrition, exercise and mental health. They fight about things which don't seem very important in the big picture. We don't have to all agree about politics or ideologies but we can just respect our differences.

[@SmearCampaignsAreEvil]

For some reason they don't like that topic, or people who talk about it. I was seriously bullied and turned to the internet (I admit that was wrong now but I had no other outlet) and got worse treatment

[@graveyardscarlettanis13]

I’m autistic, but I find autistic people can be so bitter

[@Cacowninja]

What do you mean?

[@graveyardscarlettanis13]

@@Cacowninja I mean that quite a few autistic people online seem to be hateful of neurotypical people

[@Cacowninja]

@@graveyardscarlettanis13 I'm autistic too and I don't hate neurotypical people. I just want good people whether neurotypical or not.

[@assassinunknown6664]

@@graveyardscarlettanis13 I agree. Those people are more hateful than the ‘bigots’ they speak of. They are self absorbed and I hate being grouped with them. Them being the hateful group, not autism.

[@Hezkun]

I understand where they're coming from, bc the NT people in their lives are usually the people who bullied them while growing up But, people are all really different, and hating people just bc of their identifiers and not their actual personality is quite frankly stupid

[@fizzy965]

Totally agree! People shouldn't get offended by terminology which doesn't really make any difference whatsoever. I hate how the whole internet gets triggered by something that doesn't actually affect them at all. Person A likes apples. Person B cant stand apples. Person B gets offended by person A for liking apples. Person A liking apples has no affect on person Bs life. The sky is still blue. Person B wouldn't be as affected by person A if they realised that and just accepted that everyone is different. Things only bother you if you let them bother you. I hate the drama, like when people complain about tv show. TVs have an off button and many other channels. Just because you didn't like it doesn't mean no one else did. Live your own life and let others live theirs and the world will be a happier place.

[@IndieAndy]

Yes my point exactly like I disagree drama and the thing that people love to stir the pot is just mad to me.

[@tafua_a]

My most recent Twitter drama was for finding Thomas the Tank Engine's design creepy. Too many Thomas fans started mocking me over finding that thing creepy. Luckily, some of them saw some sense and stepped up. There shouldn't be drama over that, but here we are

[@helloisaferreira9159]

I agree but that's just the way people are online. They care so much about terminology because this is one of the fundamentals of a community. When I thought I could be bisexual I saw a lot of hate inside the queer community most of the time it was about terminology , and I can't deal with comparison, competitions or any sort of hate. That's why I don't feel safe in the autistic community or any other

[@bllehh]

Terminology does make a big difference tho? Or are you just saying that specific terminology (which I don't know what it is and can't judge it then) doesn't? Perception shapes terminology and terminology shapes perception and perception does matter a lot Sometimes this can be very nuanced or people are arguing about nuances here which I haven't seen to an extent yet that I thought it was unnecessary (or I forgot already because it was so meaningless xD), but with the more nuanced stuff you should think more about when and where and how you point it out

[@KiiTiiObaby]

yes! as an autistic i feel a lot of disconnect and cant be in the community either. and its also mainly due to the stereotyping and the speaking for everyone like you mentioned. im trying to spread these issues with some tiktok videos but they dont reach too far sadly. but yeah! i agree with this video a lot :) Edit: RIP! I hope you’re doing well where ever you are now

[@thetickedoffpianoplayer4193]

RIP? Oh no. Are you talking about the guy in the vid?

[@jannathepanna1674]

Omg I was just called a “neurotypical karen” because I questioned their approach to “neurotypicals” and I didnt mention my own medical history so there I was labeled as “the bad guy” which is also horrible that because you dont have Autism or Adhd or any of the others you. Suddenly are the whole cause of the problem.

[@Cryogentics]

Not autistic myself, but parent of an autistic child. Despite her "disability" my daughter is a very smart, bright child. Her only set back was the first two therapist she saw to help us with her condition. One tried to beat us in thw head that she needed medicated and tries to convice us thay she needed to conform to society. The other emphasised play over learning and held her back from progressing. She's now in school with children her age and the difference is night and day. People on the spectrum are all individuals amd unique, just like those off of it. And they need to be treated as such not under a one aize fits all mentality.

[@IndieAndy]

I'm glad to hear that your daughter is doing well now. But yeah I agree that the one shoes fits all approach doesn't work for autistics for sure just like any other group of people you know.

[@camellia8625]

Play is learning

[@IntrepidIanRinon]

Hi Andy (wherever you are...)! These thoughts of yours very much influenced my own perspective. While you're already gone, this video is part of the legacy you left. RIP IndieAndy

[@autsiverse9798]

Oh, I agree. I think a lot of parents have been scared away from the community because they were, essentially, bullied. It's a real shame because people are trying to learn, they are asking questions. We should kindly educate them, not bash them. We are all learning. I've only been diagnosed for a few months and I'm still learning haha. The toxicity can be kind of scary sometimes. I'm grateful for videos like yours and others who are really educating and helping us learn 😊. Great video!

[@pastichegraham]

Autsiverse I insanely agree❤️

[@IndieAndy]

Yeah exactly like questions are opportunities to try and help others learn. Not to shut conversations down 👍 Aww thank you but I don't feel like I'm educating though... Just sharing my thoughts/experiences which is all I can do.

[@TheGoowolf]

When people talk for me just because they think I'm offended and not because I asked for help, that's when I get offended. I didn't go through years of speech therapy just to have people talk for me. To be honest, I try not to join any communities because there's always those people who try to talk for the communities.

[@ZomboidMania]

That exact same thing happens, happened with me, I had to do years of speak therapy and could not speak properly at all until I was 6, then my mum tries to speak for me and hardly ever asks for what I actually think of something, it is just annoying, yeah sometimes I don't know how to answer a question and that is fine, but often times I do not need help answering a question.

[@thatboultae9327]

​@@ZomboidMania just gotta talk with your family frfr.

[@jonslife3533]

That is something i have noticed as well , a lot of the "autistic community " likes to flip over fairly small things , or not include people due to differences of opinion , or even not fully get what someone is saying before flipping out on someone . As someone who is autistic themselves , honestly , I just choose not to talk about It on social media , due to not wanting to have to tip toe around those who will flip out over a term they don't like . My experience is , it's easier to just not get offended , even by things like stereotypes , because all getting offended does , is just wear down on you , the world will keep hoing just fine whether you're pissed off or not . Another point , there's some who just think folks with autism who are doing KZbin , are just doing it for money . As a KZbin creator without monetization , yah , I'm gonna build a mansion with that $10 that I get from subscribers time to time if I'm lucky. Which all goes into videos or parts and tools to finish things for videos It's just sad seeing how thay community behaves , then they complain when people do exactly what the did from the other side , and how selective they can be on including people or saying "They speak for everyone " . I agree with you , and honestly , I just choose to identify as a person , no different than any other due to that being less complicated In my past experience

[@IndieAndy]

Hi there! Sorry for not replying as soon as I should have but just wanted to say thank you for sharing your thoughts on this! I agree that identify is important to some but it shouldn't mean we hold each other or from getting involved. Also with the whole money thing. I mean for me it's not a out the money but it's nice to know that I've worked hard enough to get the recognition of my hard work and also that people are clearly interested in what I'm doing because if they weren't then I wouldn't get the required metrics for monetisation you know. To me money is a necessity rather than a goal to have. As long as I have enough to cover the bills from my job then that's cool!

[@jonslife3533]

@@IndieAndy I agree , we all need to make money , and from what little I've had time to watch , you seem to make some awesome videos

[@IndieAndy]

Aww thank you Jon and yes money is something we need. If we are doing things we lov when that's even better honestly!

[@jonslife3533]

@@IndieAndy I agree, it's always better making money doing something you love .

[@mandlin4602]

It becoming a “community” is the problem, because it’s not a community it’s a dictatorship ruled by loud extremists. You seem like such a lovely person btw 😊

[@limdingwen]

I was fearful when I saw your video title, but now that I’ve watched it I agree with it (the viewpoints were not as controversial as I thought it was going to be). I want to say that I am VERY thankful for the autistic community! I am a late informally diagnosed autistic person and I don’t think I’ll be alive right now without them. Thankfully I haven’t been drained by the whole identity thing, but I do agree that while I prefer “autistic person” or “on the spectrum”, I really don’t care either way and there’s more important matters to discuss (eg Autism Speaks, diagnosis procedures, stigma etc)

[@Seasonal-Shadow_4674]

is it wrong to view your autism as a mental illness/disability/disorder over it just being a difference?

[@RandomSkyeRoses]

​@@Seasonal-Shadow_4674no

[@annesautism9003]

Really, I never understood the difference. Because both is true: I have autism ergo I am a person with autism and I am autistic ergo I am an autistic person. Personally, I make no difference. And I 100% agree there is much more important things that matter for autistics/people with autism that should be discussed!

[@IndieAndy]

Yeah there definitely better and more important things to talk about for sure!

[@PennyJackson123]

I agree with you

[@fuchsadler]

I personally prefer autistic person too because to me person with autism sounds like just having a fever which is going away but if people like and/or prefer to call themselves people with autism I am not offended by that. And if people say "I met someone with autism" I think it's likely that the mentioned person does call theirself so

[@chenbonen]

I was watching this youtuber for a long time, and just now I've found out he died in December 2021. WTF

[@turtleanton6539]

This one ?

[@chriswilson231282]

Brilliant Video mate. Starting a business as a parent of an Autistic Daughter amongst other conditions, and always have to think before posting as I know that there is a section of the community, that would exclude me due to a mistake. I want to change the world for people with any Neurodivergent Condition in Education, Work and Society. And this video was literally like my conscience speaking.

[@IndieAndy]

Hi Chris! Firstly it's awesome to hear that you want to help others like us and wanting to change things. Personally I appreciate anyone wanting to help ☺️ But yeah I think people who try to exclude are not really that nice or are blinded by their own opinion. It's sad to hear but just got to keep on going!

[@wannabehistorian371]

I was told about this channel and I’m thankful to find voices like these. It’s ironic how people in a group defined by bad communication skills scream at people for not communicating well or misspeaking. This is why many of these advocates only get contempt from me. The idea of Autistic people criticizing others for misspeaking is actually hilarious; or it would be if this BS weren’t reality. I wish there were more voices like yours. I swear if I could reach into the screen and grab someone next time I get some brat screaming at me “YOU’RE DENYING MY EXISTENCE!” for suggesting that maybe, just maybe Autism isn’t just quirks and can be debilitating I’d be in jail several times over for assault. Eventually the NTs will just lose their patience with these toxic people and enabling their selfish behavior and we’ll all face the brunt of the backlash. They seem to think NTs don’t have needs of their own. I despise Autistic groups so much.

[@eatymceatison97]

Me too.

[@ugoiba5357]

Yes

[@aaronbarker2295]

I hate how they refuse to acknowledge the autism levels.

[@noahmendezalonso5868]

Maybe i don't have experiences about autism community because I'm reciently diagnosed and don't know or talk too much with other autistic people but i'm agree with you about generalize stuff. I search videos (that's what i found your channel) and read comments and it's really annoying when they talk (or write literally) using "WE". "We don't like this" "We think this about whatverer" "We are not agree with da da"... we we we… Well, I do, i like this, or I don't like whatever you take it for granted only because i'm autistic. I mean, we are so different between us (of course we have things/tastes/opinions in common) like non-autistic are so different between them and i hate when someone talk on my name. You like or think this, perfect it's ok, but i'm not. We are autistic no clones...

[@IndieAndy]

Yeah exactly my thoughts really! I mean don't get me wrong there are nice parts of the community that just get it but some just feel the need to speak on behalf of everyone which is abit much I feel!

[@cybertrekker4274]

@@IndieAndy A lot much, if I may be so bold as to phrase it, as well as being disrespectful.

[@luvflowers6593]

Thank you for making another video about the autistic community. If you want the autistic comments to go somewhere, then the autistic community needs change. Be that change you want to see. And it's okay to have different opinions. I'm so over the language and symbol policing. This is the reason why I was scared to be my creative self, because I don't want the backlash from the autistic community. I see the neurodiversity movement as an opportunity to change the structures of society.

[@mkincl3141]

I'm not on Twitter, and from what I've gathered from videos and comments like these on KZbin, it's probably better that way (especially since I'm self-diagnosed with no access to an official diagnosis any time soon). On the other hand, I grew up in an incredibly supportive neurodiverse family, so I haven't been *as* traumatized by years of emotional abuse from society, since I always had a safe retreat. But having experienced some societal emotional abuse, I do understand the pent up anger that can cause. To me it sounds like the ole "hurt people hurt people". *sigh*

[@DreamseedVR]

❤

[@euanelliott3613]

The great thing about opinions is that anyone can have one. The more evolved members of society can appreciate an opposing viewpoint without feeling the need to defeat it with heated debate. Mutual respect plays an essential role in this: the right for everyone to have a voice, and the acknowledgement that every viewpoint is as legitimate as another. Yes there are times when people have opposing views to my own, but I still listen to them without feeling I have to agree, but then sometimes someone else's life experiences can be an education, it's up to you what you heed and what you disregard.

[@SincerelyLASMR]

I agree with everything you talked about! Being more open minded and kind is way more important than constantly policing people for everything they do "wrong" according to your own personal opinion. Thanks for taking the time to make these videos for us! We appreciate you Andy! :) -L

[@IndieAndy]

Aww glad you enjoyed the videos but honestly it's nice to see people get something from them you know. It weirdly helps me especially when it's topics like this. 👍

[@katrinaxo2472]

I like to talk about my personal experiences with autism on my channel but I do think the community can get toxic ❤️❤️

[@IndieAndy]

Hmm yeah I feel it can be however I think it depends on the community because some are really lovely!

[@angie5001]

Thank you so much for this! You voiced my thoughts perfectly. I'm autistic and actually (kind of) terrified of the community. Instead of a safe place, it feels more like a place where one should walk on eggshell due to language policing. Yes, I have my preference, but as you said I don't particularly care if a person says autistic person or person with autism. Context and intention is what matters most! How do we expect to spread the words and educate the world about autism, if we make everything so freaking complicated? It can be frustrating indeed, but glad I'm not alone.

[@Seasonal-Shadow_4674]

@Angie is it wrong to view your autism as a mental illness/disability/disorder over it just being a difference?

[@robertjohnburton9775]

People will disappoint. All groups, all ages, all whatever push their agenders. I've has a lifetime of it & I use social media very carefully. There are petty people everywhere waiting to be enraged. Don't engage with them, YT has some great videos, watch them instead.

[@El-sr1id]

Exactly. Everyone in this world has an interest and agenda. Always be wary.

[@jackgrant9301]

Oh right, agenda. I thought you meant genderless people 🤣

[@tobytheshih-tzu6329]

I'm stimming right now I keep staring at those changing lights behind you they are very amusing! Thank you for the video, your videos are helpful I'm new in my search I think I'm autistic, but I haven't gotten a diagnosis, because I didn't suspect until maybe two years ago, and I just haven't had the finances to get a diagnosis, but I qualify for so many in the criteria, and I have ALOT of stems!

[@IndieAndy]

Aww that's cool! A couple of people have said they are disorientating so it's nice to hear some like it! But I'm glad this video helped 😊

[@pardonmyfrench4760]

Hi, Andy! Love the video. I think you are correct. I am autistic myself, and a researcher in the scientific field by profession. I think the neurodiversity movement has good intentions, but they do not realize they are neglecting the autistics with severe disabilities, and are actually doing more harm than good. here is the article, happy reading! "A Dilemma For Neurodiversity” (Shields & Beversdorf, 2021)

[@laurachapman3718]

I really appreciate your honesty and inclusivity. Your vids have been really helpful in my own diagnosis, so thank you 🙏🏻. I feel similarly that inclusivity is so much more important than division in our community and having experienced major shutdowns over peoples opinions differing from mine, particularly online (and overtly aggressively) and then feeling excluded from the community that I sorely needed for support, if you can be inclusive or supportive why not be? And if you can’t... simply scroll on by. Thanks again Andy

[@IndieAndy]

Hi Laura! Aww that is really lovely to see that these have helped you. It's just nice for me to see ☺️👍 Ooh gosh yeah there have been times when I've really felt sad about the state of things. Even though it's an open playing field online, it's just sad to see people going at each other over silly things.

[@PlatypusGuitar]

im not gonna get mad at someone for using the wrong language. What I do get angry about is when I try to explain stuff to normies and they dont care to listen, to understand, tell me im wrong about my own experience, that im not like their child and straight up refuse to learn something. No, they have to make it all about themselves, talk over us and blatantly ignore basic respect towards us. Thats when I get off the handle.

[@IndieAndy]

Hmm I think some of it has to do with them maybe not having much contact with us really. Some can be aggressive but think we've just got to be patient with folks like that as much as we can.

[@tafua_a]

@@IndieAndy I think about it like this: I will give anyone with questions or misconceptions the benefit of the doubt. But the moment they make it clear they don't respect my intelligent, they forfeited that benefit. Also, I understand that organizations are not people, and people are not organizations.

[@gabrielguzman6018]

@@IndieAndy nah, folks are assholes

[@simplyvince1744]

I am a person who suspects that I am autistic but I do not have a diagnosis. I personally find it hard to know how to interact with the community. I've heard so many different people saying "refer to us as _____" and it's always something different. I'm always afraid someone is going to be deeply offended by my phrasing when in reality what I'm trying to say is something positive or at least neutral.

[@IndieAndy]

Yeah I feel that some get very sensitive over phrasing very quick when there are more important things to try and sort out honestly 👍

[@jamesriley1163]

One group of people I hate are the ones that equate autism to hand flapping and being sensitive to sounds and never address the problems that high-functioning people with autism suffer from like social issues, which can be just as devastating for someone's life prospects in the long-term.

[@ThereAreThoseWhoCallMeTim]

For people who like to vent about how much your autistic children, students, or patients drive you insane and make you miserable - you have NO idea how much anxiety, frustration, self-loathing, loneliness, and sadness many of us have to go through nearly every single day, partially because of how you talk about us when we aren’t around. Believe it or not, most of us on the spectrum are fully aware of how much of a “handful” we can be for you, and we feel deeply ashamed and guilty as a result. We care about your hardship and suffering as much as you care about ours (the people who claim we are generally incapable of empathy or feeling the pain of others are full of s%;t). If we could stop doing the things that stress you out so much, we absolutely would. But just like a man with severe paralysis can’t simply get off his wheelchair to lessen the burden of those taking care of him, we simply cannot “stop being autistic” as much as we would love to make things much easier for you. If it’s wrong to complain about having to look after someone with physical disabilities, then it’s also wrong to complain about caring for people with developmental disabilities as if you are the true victim. Yes you are dealing with A LOT, you are being pushed to your limits, your patience and resilience is being out to the test; but if you truly and genuinely care about us and not want us to feel like worthless parasites, then stop talking about us as if we are a constant source of pain and stress and headaches. We may not be there when you talk about us like that, but we can hear you. And it not only hurts us A LOT, but it completely contradicts you telling us that we are “fully loved and embraced for who we are” and are “not a burden in the slightest.”

[@libbykyle6702]

Well said Andy i completely agree live and let live ! X

[@IndieAndy]

Aww thank you Libby! ☺️

[@Wickedlove263]

Ugh this has been my experience. I am 34 and was just diagnosed as Autistic this summer. I joined a couple of women with autism groups on FB. And while it was helpful for dealing with the anxiety of testing. I noticed that MANY members in that group were incredibly condescending. And would absolutely jump all over anyone who used words like slight, mild, and severe. And while I get that it is a spectrum and many of us can fall on any part of the spectrum on any given day. I feel like if a person is comfortable using that term to describe themselves. Then just let them. Especially people newly diagnosed. I noticed so many newly diagnosed people shamed and read the riot act for "wrong terminology". It was sad. It was so stressful. I was so scared to word my results of my report the wrong way. And be accused of using ableist language. I could go on. I decided very quickly. That at least autism fb groups are not for me. And honestly it has really turned me off. When it comes to being interested in being involved the community.

[@mylifewithautism3958]

You made the right choice, the amount of toxicity in many autism groups literally is worse than the way neurotypicals act oftentimes. Never one have I felt accepted or valued by my peers, and in fact often they take great joy in making you miserable, and I am done associating with them because of it

[@mattstanley7640]

Hi Andy , I definitely agree with you . We all think differently and our minds work in different vibes and also the community need to be reassured that we are different people . The way of how we all should be the same is not the way and I get asked questions about this matter and it gets me upset sometimes . It should be said that people should understand that we are all different people 👍👍

[@IndieAndy]

Yeah absolutely! I mean people don't have to get on just because we share a condition but some appreciation for difference would be good! ☺️

[@mattstanley7640]

@@IndieAndy totally agree with you Andy. I just wished that people would just give us the benefit of the doubt . But for some reason it does not happen and thats really sad 😪😪

[@sarinalight1498]

Thank you. I have ASD & T1D. I got off the Autism pages because they started to upset me & my mental health. I realized my Diabetes is more important than some of the policing. I experienced s lit of positivity yet not enough to stay. I also met a view Amazing individual on the Autism pages. ‘Once you meet ‘1’ person with Autism, you’ve met ‘1’ person with Autism’ We are Gratefully Diffferent👍🏼 Thank you so much for sharing your opinion❤️👍🏼🌱

[@dancehulahoopjump]

I struggled with this so much! I’d like to call myself autistic but I have seen it used as an insult growing up so I usually say I’m on the spectrum since I don’t like saying person with autism either. Nothing is wrong with on the spectrum, it’s a literal fact, that’s where I am. I was in autistic communities that banned me because I disagreed with their opinions. It made me feel excluded again. My autistic friends in real life are pretty chill though. Regarding money, I couldn’t agree less! If you put in the work, you should get paid. 80% of autistics are unemployed and underemployed so this could be a valuable way to attain money. It was also hard for me because on TikTok, autistics used the word “we” and as a literal thinker, i automatically assumed I was no longer on the spectrum because I didn’t agree with their opinions. It made me sad. Luckily, my therapist helped me understand that everyone has different opinions and that doesn’t make me more or less myself :)

[@LucasGates92]

Andy, I know this is a severely delayed response considering this was made in March 2020 and I'm replying in August 2021, but yeah. As an autistic person and I use terminology interchangeably depending on the situation (yes, that includes "person with autism/ASD"), but I agree. All the statements you'd said is correct. We have reasons to learn from others, and we shouldn't police our community in terms of language, terminology and generalization. Again, I listen to all peoples and everyone's voice is DIFFERENT. Thank you Andy for speaking from your perspective and not generalizing! Keep doing what your doing good sir.

[@LucasGates92]

Andy, I'd love to chat with ya via DM. I just shared this video on my Twitter and it's so relevant to what happened to be personally (as of the day this comment is posted).

[@camellia8625]

I agree about policing language - it shows where the newly diagnosed or undiagnosed person is at with their understanding. It can be used as a starting point for respectful discussion.

[@melaniewantsabeer243]

I can't believe such an amazing soul is gone.

[@pastichegraham]

I know😢😢😢😢

[@simikatra3434]

We shouldn't exclude anyone who wants to understand. How else are they supposed to learn, I think we need to save our energy for the real fights, where Autists are abused and ostracized, because people are uneducated.

[@aspiewithattitude3213]

Once you have this upload when other viewers make their videos, it will be interesting to hear other people's differences in opinions. At least we can be judged by our content of the character, not by our state of minds being on the spectrum. This video was well said.

[@IndieAndy]

I think character of a person is important and judging based on actions people have taken is too I feel. But thank you for your support as always my friend, it's really appreciated! 👍

[@TherealDanielleNelson]

Thank you so much for this video!! Everything you talked about is exactly why I hate the atustic community as well. I was actually part of a group on Facebook and I used 'as an atustic person' and I got a bunch of people getting after me and telling me that 'we as a community prefer first person language' same with me using the term 'high functioning atustic' they again tried to tell me that I couldn't use that and then acused me of being an ableist and I was harmful to the group. I'm like, I can call myself what I want to.

[@sophie.1]

Totally agree. They even get offended being called intelligent or using new labels instead of high functioning like level 1 of 3

[@TherealDanielleNelson]

@@sophie.1 Yeah. I just had someone blow a gasket at me for using high functioning and they pulled the 'I'm an autistic mom' card. I said good for you I'm diagnosed with Asperger's so I think what I say trump's what you say.

[@RileyWattsOfficial]

I totally agree with you Andy And we need To spread this message around nobody Should Feel judged by talking About Autism And if people don't Like The message They could just ignore it instead of attacking The person

[@IndieAndy]

Hi Riley! Thank you so much! It's important to talk openly and honestly from our experiences for sure ☺️

[@vicentecancino1857]

I completely agree, even though I do believe the best terminology is what is described by the medical comunnity, I still believe that someone should be able to identify as you like without breaking the conversation. I also think that, when someone doesn't speak well, or communicate correctly their ideas, it also shouldn't be a sign to end the conversation. With the clickiness, that´s a real problem that not only applies to autism titles, even more mainstream ideas are shot down for "clickbait". Watching this video brings up quite a lot of shared ideas.

[@IndieAndy]

That's absolutely fine with you think that's right for you, it's just not how I would play it to be honest. But yeah I agree that clickbait culture is just a thing across the board.

[@LorenSnow]

A thing I notice often is people attacking parents over their mistakes. I teach parents (in person) and they try so hard. They’ve often made many mistakes before they knew their child was autistic and they can be really hard on themselves because of that :(

[@nonamelegend_vapor]

From what I can tell, no human is immune to tribalism, no matter how they choose to identify or what they’ve got going on :/ it’s great to be among people in similar situations, but we’re all individuals at the end of the day and we need to keep ourselves accountable

[@thetickedoffpianoplayer4193]

I'm only on one forum, and it seems pretty good for the most part, but one thing I've noticed is that there is a group of autistic people who just absolutely hate NTs. Unfortunately that's probably a trauma response, but it needs to be dealt with in therapy. The thing to remember is that we're all just people. There are good and bad people in every group. My highest philosophy is that you treat people the way you want to be treated, and the people who don't do that are the ones I don't like.

[@necelticsox]

There are some thing I don't like about it either. I do, however, think the most basic ideas of the autistic community far outweigh the autism-as-a-burden movement's.

[@IndieAndy]

Hmm I can agree that the ideas of the autistic community are better but I'm not sure on how some people's approaches help us. Some are quite forceful with it which I think is rather negative I feel.

[@necelticsox]

@@IndieAndy I don't like it when some insist autistics call themselves autistic. I think people should be able to identify with what they want. And yes, I do think autism can be a disability. That said, a lot of autistics, even those who have more support needs than I do, will find a place in the autistic community and the wider neurodiversity paradigm more than the idea of disability being a curse with no benefits.

[@IndieAndy]

@@necelticsoxLike I say in the video I feel that identify is personal choice. I'll of course have my preferences but it's not cool to force people into thinking your way because you don't like their opinion (by you, I mean people, apologies for any confusion). I think there are good and bad sides to autism and to only talk about what's good does a disservice. Think it's finding a balance that's respectful but also helps others.

[@necelticsox]

@@IndieAndy I think so too. I know not everything about my autism is good, but I choose to make my autistic life about the good things while acknowledging the bad things. No one should make the bad stuff the center of their life.

[@IndieAndy]

@@necelticsox YES 💕💕💕 that's how I try to view it also! It's hard at times but without the negative then we wouldn't be who we are 👍 Really enjoyed talking to you friend!

[@morganbathgate1374]

As someone on the spectrum I really respect your opinion and I do happen to agree. People ask questions because they want to learn and I welcome the opportunity to share my experiences.

[@Seasonal-Shadow_4674]

@Morgan Bathgate is it wrong to view your autism as a mental illness/disability/disorder over it just being a difference?

[@morganbathgate1374]

@@Seasonal-Shadow_4674 In my opinion, it’s important to recognize it as both. Yes, you have a disability and it will always be a part of you. However, I personally feel like that’s as far as it needs to go. Looking at autism as a difference in my opinion is a healthier approach than just comparing between “we’re different because I’m disabled”. You can be different because you’ve had different life experiences, some of them which have come from having a disability.

[@pastichegraham]

Hi Andy! :) thanks for this! This is Once again Pastiche! And I’m going to Say this Once again for anyone to see this: Just after watching this whole thing, I completely agree with You. 👏🏼💞 Maybe this is why I’ve been discouraged for so long after that one time I was yelled by another Autistic on twitter for Me saying: “I’m Not Just Autistic,” and she took that as if I was referring to say that “I was better than my Autism.” I feel like That we’ve gotten to a certain degree, where Both communities Autism (Sm) and Autistic (STIC) Are Making the movement to convert on the things without remembering that People who are Also Autistic have their own way of seeing things. Or I should say both Communities Are making people convert without Respecting ideas, and feelings. I think still think yes, Still push the neurodiversity movement for change, but don’t exclude all those who still believe in the puzzle piece, or still chooses to think the “what used to be,” that most neurodivergents Don’t need Anymore. I feel we’re not gonna get an inclusionary society if Communities and advocates continue to push, THIS WAY, and this way only.

[@IndieAndy]

Hi Pastiche 👍☺️ Thanks again for sharing your thoughts. Like I say I just think inclusivity is about inclusion of all, not exclusion based on what people's preferences are or how they perceive things. Because isn't that the point of diversity? Isn't the point of it to inclusivity that it's supposed to include people of different backgrounds and experiences. I don't know what else I can add here so all I'll say is thank you 👍

[@pastichegraham]

IndieAndy omg you’re so welcome! And yes, you’re right! That is the whole point!!💕💕👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@RoamWrite]

spot on Andy !. ive met a lot of people on the spectrum in my time and seen a lot of sad things from folk that have no support. when we turn on one another over trivial things it sends out the wrong message entirely.

[@IndieAndy]

Absolutely! Especially if people are in crisis and need that support, social media can be an escape and/or a place to ask for help. But when others get aggressive over trivial stuff, it's really sad to see because that could have been a good interact if people could set their preferences/views aside just to see the better picture.

[@DVDandFilmBloke]

I completely agree with you, to me language is just language and as long as I can understand what someone is talking about than I really don't care what language they use (just so long as it's not deliberately offensive or insulting). I do have things I prefer to say but I don't try to change other people's language. If I had to make a generalisation about autism for explanatory purposes I would often say "autistic people generally tend to bla de bla" I don't speak for everyone in the community, I'm just a cynical nearly 20 year old who just happens to be autistic. I think the clicky thumbnail or title thing is a problem with internet culture as a whole, the only time I would get annoyed at a clicky thumbnail or title is if it was clickbait (something completely different to what the title or thumbnail said), I'm not keen on clicky culture in general but to me I don't really care just so long as there is a worth while video behind it. I don't have a problem with anyone making money from KZbin, because in a lot of cases they often put effort into there content and are being rewarded for it, there are some who don't deserve it or are just doing it for the cash (manufactured garbage) but to me good content is still good content no matter where it's coming from and they have the right to make money off it, again I think this is a problem with just internet culture in general. I think a lot of the negative traits of the community come from Political Correctness SJW culture seeping into other communities and people getting offended at every little detail, I don't personally believe in political correctness and to me context is everything.

[@DVDandFilmBloke]

@@garyfrancis5015 Yes I agree, I want to live my life independently and to the fullest before I even consider settling down.

[@IndieAndy]

Yeah I do agree that alot of it has to do with the way culture is for sure. I don't mean clicky titles/thumbnails as long as like you it's relevant. When it's not relevant or it's just abit seedy then that's when I have issues with it.

[@DVDandFilmBloke]

@@IndieAndy Yes, I think the members of the autism community you were referring to are shills, preaching others about vital issues but are only in it for themselves.

[@themoderateecowarrior]

I get upset when people post shorts that kind of trivialise autism like "look at my trex arms hahahaha" i get so mad; my daughter cannot even cross the road by herself or be left even for a short time. She would never be able to do a video 😅. Only milder forms of autism are represented on line. Severe autistics DO NOT have a voice so general perception is that it is not a real struggle and this leads to LESS understanding. I like your video though . Theres is a difference between struggling and Disability.

[@David-ln8qh]

Social justice isn't always fun.

[@El-sr1id]

This is actually very well said and thought out. Well done. I agree with many of your points.

[@murielbilly4296]

Hello, I watch videos about austim asperger for a few months and I had no idea that kind of things happen. Personally, I have my favorite way, but I think every one may use what they want. I can have a different opinion about one think or another, but I always find that interesting, about everything, to 'disagree', because I can learn, we can learn so much from each other. I may change my mind, opinion or not. We are just as neurotypicals, very different from each other. About people making those videos, I think you deserve to be paid. I can't imagine the amount of time you spent on them, even if it's a bad day, or week. I feel sad about those arguing. We are here, as a community, to share tips, feelings, issues, to be kind and caring, it's so precious. It helps me a lot.

[@andrewrudd402]

Entirely agree. I love the support groups but there are reasons they can be seen as forceful (a bit like some charities). The 'clickbait' thing doesn't bother me at all - great content should be rewarded with payment. Some of the achievements that are seen on KZbin videos from Autistic people are worth shouting about because they are actually remarkable for the individual. We are all different with different opinions and that should be celebrated not a cause for argument.

[@IndieAndy]

Aww it's great to hear your point of view Andrew, thank you for sharing! I agree that autistic people who are doing great things should have that recognition whether it's through payments or other things.

[@KnocktheBlocks]

I totally agree with you on this! 👍 And I do not want to identify as a smurf, I prefer to be called a Muppet. 😜😉😅

[@IndieAndy]

Aww thanks! Also Muppets are cool, you can identify however you like, you do you! 👍

[@gingercultleader5500]

I just found this video. I'm at the start of the process of discovering I'm probably autistic. When I outed my suspicions about myself to a friend who is autistic, I noticed that he was inferring more meaning than what I was trying to say. After the third incident, I told him, "I can't talk to you." I don't know what to say, how to say it, or want to exhaust myself trying to say anything unintentional. I don't know... At this point, I'd rather just continue being a really bad NT...

[@IndieAndy]

Hmm I guess I understand what you mean.

[@gingercultleader5500]

@@IndieAndy Hey! Keep up the good content. You offer a great perspective and for that, I appreciate it.

[@MrJovagu]

to focus on yhe words or the expressions people write are common everywere. not just from autistic people like me. I have been attacked a few times about things on facebook because peoplle dont get the message, just the words.

[@IndieAndy]

Hmm I'm sorry to hear that however I guess sometimes people just don't get it.

[@cybertrekker4274]

It is a general human weakness found everywhere, primarily indulged in by egocentric and dogmatic types from a point of pseudo-intellectualism.

[@DavidJVMusic]

OMG, Yes, I sooo agree with you!! I really dislike hatefulness or anger with people that just don't/aren't try/ing to be offensive. lol, ("identify as a Smurf")

[@IndieAndy]

Aww yeah absolutely I mean it's so weird how some in the community are just nasty sometimes. Haha didn't even mean to say that but it just made so much sense to me 😂👍

[@anxietyking2664]

I’m so glad I’m not the only autistic who feels this way about the autistic community, I was part of an autism social group both online and offline, there was this pack mentality and spiteful attitude towards anyone that didn’t agree with everyone else or like the same people that everyone else did, bullying that those who were in charge of the group would just dismiss and brush under the carpet, I even inquired into volunteering for this group at one point because I had nothing to do at the time, I was told that I was unreliable due to leaving the group (I left cuz of the bullying and returned due to feeling lonely) questioned about the bullying being true despite having proof and showing it and was even told that I HAD to show up, no matter what happens or how I feel, which was unreasonable because I was a volunteer and the main person in charge of the group would cut everything and everyone off as soon as the slightest thing bothered them negatively.

[@1helleboy207]

That really is annoying!! i dont give a crap if people call me autistic or Person with autism! but I also think that maybe they are scared of what we may think... i also hate that they also have a tendency to stick to the fact we may be social or not social. people tend to think I ain't because I'm VERY social. i think they need to SHUT Up about the labels and promote Awareness.

[@jackgrant9301]

Personally, I like the term Sperglord, or Sperg for short.

[@williamoarlock8634]

"Autism Community" is a total oxymoron as we're all social misfits.

[@KeepTheGates]

How do you know if an adult is autistic? They'll let you know every opportunity they get.

[@williamoarlock8634]

@@KeepTheGates Ugly faces as well as malformed brains I don't need reminding...

[@jannathepanna1674]

IM so happy after seeing this!! I was just called an “neurotypical karen” Because I questioned the actions within the “neurodivergent” community and its hypocrisy towards “neurotypicals”. I myself have pretty much the entire entourage (ADHD and Autism + GAD, Panic disorder and agoraphobia) but I didn't mention that in the comment as I thought it did not matter. But apparently it does as I immediatly was called an neurotypical karen. I much rather be refered to as neurotypical than neurodivergent as I find it weird how we love to blame others for the problem instead of letting it be and or taking a critical look at our own mistakes.

[@BeachioSandschannel]

To overly toxic SJWs like the people you described, words “neurotypical” and “Karen” are what the words “woke” and “communist” are to anti-SJWs. Meaningless buzzwords and insults. I wish there were more people like you in that godforsaken community.

[@Jokerfan45]

As an autistic person, I never realized that a lot of autistic people on the internet raged whenever someone disagreed with them, or the way someone spoke to them upset them. I discovered that about myself today at work regarding a potential team up that upset me. I was worried sick all day, and now I see that every time I see someone get upset over a puzzle piece or their childhood being tampered with, I they're not understanding the reason why things are being done or getting the intention behind it all. And I'm not going to lie, I am afraid of people around me now. I love Thomas the tank engine. While I'm not really happy about the new series that started this year, I can't bring myself to hate it because I am not a spiteful person, yet people on the internet had convinced me that a certain organization out there is a bad one because of what they did in the past. I had turned into something that I tried to avoid being: a judgemental person. Is Autism Speaks a bad organization like a lot of people are saying? I don't know to be honest. They have a facts page, and there are a lot of people that support them. The world is not all black and white. There are shades of gray, and sometimes one has to take risks in order to be the better person, but talking to the outcasts and seeing what's really up from their side.

[@cycloneforcee]

As someone who has austim its not that bad. We are just different but I totally understand what you mean and I'm not giving you hate

[@gonnfishy2987]

*sits down on floor near you and listens*

[@gamehero6816]

First step to avoiding the toxic section of any community: if you have a Twitter account, delete it ASAP. /j

[@graveyardscarlettanis13]

I don’t even have Twitter, so I’m safe, right?

[@DiseaseShaker]

Way too much identity politics in some parts of the autistic community. While I would not dream of denying a person's right to discuss issues such as sexuality, gender identity and pronouns, these discussions seem to dominate the autistic community of Instagram over issues like lack of support, employment and sensory considerations that affect us every day.

[@PhenHarrison]

I have felt hesitant to disclose because of the minutia of it. I still don’t know what to say. I guess I just have to expect critics and move on.

[@IndieAndy]

Ooh there will always be critics in whatever you do to be honest. But I feel that it's how we deal with it that makes the difference. Don't let them get you down and just do you friend!

[@PhenHarrison]

IndieAndy :) thanks! Yeah, this video was really encouraging because, believe it or not, the wording of it seems like the most daunting part about revealing. So, it was really helpful to hear someone in the autism community express these concerns and hopes! I tend to use different language around different people.

[@CherryTree186]

This happens to different mental health organisations.. we all tip toeing around triggered words and not realising what we say is offensive. It's annoying

[@luvflowers6593]

Does systematic ableism exist? Yes, but that is not an excuse to attack people who have different opinions.

[@DjPrespley]

I've had the shutdown thing happen to me while saying autistic and I was so confused because I've heard people saying with autism is a misnommer, I was already suspecting I was on the spectrum but didn't bother to tell that and get accused of shielding myself with that

[@eatymceatison97]

Thank you for this. I had no idea this many other felt that way. Autistic people, many of them having been social outcasts their entire lives, delude themselves into thinking they're not impaired, they're superhumans once they have their diagnosis. It's the same with transgender people, other lgbt people, religious people, etc. Etc. They over-identify with a trait they possess. And as soon as you say anything remotely resembling something negative about their self-imposed identity, they feel like you're being some sort of a racist. I have one word to characterize their REAL identity with: f'ing stupid, just like, well, the vast majority of society, autistic or not.

[@TheBuilderPro2024]

ikr, and I always told myself that I was a total DUMB@SS because I had autism... ...oh, sorry, I'm probably rambling nonsense again...

[@catherinedesrochers]

Emotionally intelligent and kind messages just like I love < 3

[@WorthlessWinner]

1:40 it's odd that autistic people of all people would engage in so much language policing I dislike how the online community is monopolized by neurodiversity. There's a lot to be said for that perspective but it's not the whole picture; but poor executive function; if there was more social acceptance of autism then it'd be easier for autistic people to find jobs, but the core features of the disorder and common comorbidities will make many jobs harder to get whatever society's attitude is. So I wish so many ND proponents didn't call anyone with other views (who want treatments to be developed, etc) "ablists." Then again, many of the non-ND people are just as hostile to the ND people, the hostility of the groups feed each other. We won't get a good picture of autism with just one view dominating though.

[@buzzytrombone4353]

Like it's mainly people who self diagnose themselves who do it so it makes you think, they're probably doing this for attention, to have some image of "Yay I'm a member of the FCC" or something stupid like that.

[@globofoxfan2cs124]

I am autistic, and I agree with some of the things you said

[@francia8355]

I think people focus more on the word autism instead of them being a regular human. They are teaching them to adapt to an enviornment that is meant to teach them how to live in the world but at the same time it is always said not all autistic people are the same but they force them to adapt to one way to learn for example keeping a routine, i have read many times that if a person that has autism does not keep a routine they will feel out of line, but in reality they are taught to do this one way "routine" that when the day comes that they cant keep it, they feel lost. Because they focus on them staying on a routine, and dont teach them that in real life nothing is perfect when they grow up and try to keep a routine there will always be obstacles, they dont teach them how to live the normal way. They label them as they need help to adapt but they are so clever and they just need someoe to understand them more personally, get them to be more open and learn about others around them rather than putting all the attention on how they should act around others to adapt. Also teaching people understand that they are just another person. I think labeling is just in a way turning them into a different group apart when we are all one.

[@hellomiakoda3782]

"autistic person with autistic autism autistically on the autistic autism spectrum" There ya go, everything covered.

[@Nekotaku_TV]

Yep, I'm very new to the autism community since I was diagnosed not long ago. And I was surprised to see how divided autistic people are about autism. It's mainly on Twitter. I guess I shouldn't have been surprised since this thing seems to occur in every group with humans. I care very much about language and to have people make sense. But when someone says like you said, they speak for everyone with autism says you can't say "people with autism/I have autism" and punish you for it, then I don't know how their mind works. Autism is a word, to have it just means the same thing as to be autistic... And this way of shutting down people, censoring, telling people how to speak and what you can't say etc is growing more and more and it's really sad. Especially for people who are already afraid to do wrong in social situations, just gives me a lot more anxiety... And for me personally even worse when I think freedom and honesty are the two most important things in life after health and companionship. I've heard some crazy shit on Twitter and been accused of malicious intent when they have no basis for neither. If someone wants to identify as a smurf as an adult then there's a problem though... And I care a lot, that's just stupid. You can't be things you aren't and to pretend you are outside of role play and what not is not a good thing. So that's very different for me. We shouldn't just accept things just because it's from another person, people can be wrong and can do bad stuff even if it's about themselves. Shouldn't be a law but I can say what I think of it, that they shouldn't identify as a smurf. I don't get the "clicky" thing, do you mean click bait?

[@IndieAndy]

Twitter is a cesspool of negativity quite honestly! I mean there are communities which are really nice like on Reddit for example. Yes there are disagreements but it's respectful you know. Really appreciate you sharing your thoughts on this ☺️ Also I don't mean clickbait at all. Clickbait is really shitty. What I mean is making the video that gets people to click on it to watch it but it still delivers value. Clickbait doesn't do this in all honesty.

[@Nekotaku_TV]

IndieAndy Twitter has everything and with that comes the best and the worst. I don’t see negativity as a bad thing if it’s truth or based on someone’s opinion, I don’t discriminate between positive and negative. But stuff like trolling and just being aweful or witch hunts and other crap I don’t want to see happen. Well then clicky isn’t bad I think. Maybe some stupid stuff like random arrows and circle that make no sense if it’s included in that.

[@relentlessrhythm2774]

I sometimes have to remind myself that before I discovered my own autism, I used "person with autism." Now I prefer "autistic person."

[@FormerlyEpicjcat]

Alot of people in the "community" say if you think you have some signs of being on the spectrum your just wrong which i feel isnt true

[@chriswilson231282]

Shared onto my business page so hope you get more subscribers.

[@IndieAndy]

Aww that's awesome! Just out of curiosity, could I have a look at your business page??

[@lordnupus9644]

Im 10 and autistic and i agree allot

[@sabrinasetzler689]

Thank you for this. ❤

[@1helleboy207]

do you think it will ever get better? the autism community was supposed to help people understand not to criticize nerotypicals!!

[@kavehhashemi9448]

I had a autistic friend some years back and he made it like it’s his whole personality…..

[@heatherrae901]

That’s so interesting! I see a LOT of people making certain things their entire personality