What I Mean When I Say I'm Autistic: Unpuzzling a Life on the Autism Spectrum

by Annie Kotowicz

I wish it would say to police officers, “I strictly follow every rule to the best of my ability. If it seems like I’m not following directions, it’s because I process audio more slowly under stress. Either that, or I feel confused because what you’re saying contradicts what I thought I was expected to do. Please slow down, assume the best, and rephrase your words if I seem to have misunderstood.” I wish an autism bracelet would say to paramedics, “I don’t know what’s happening, and I find that terrifying. Please tell me where we’re going, and exactly what to expect. Also, many kinds of physical sensations are uncomfortable for me, and that can be hard to distinguish from pain, so I may not know how to answer when you ask me if something hurts.” To doctors, dentists, mechanics, and other professionals, I wish an autism bracelet would say, “Please explain everything in detail, without skipping information that you assume is common knowledge. List every step I need to take, and include reasons for any recommendations you give. Regardless of how clearly and directly you think you’ve communicated, please understand that I may still need to ask follow-up questions.”