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

by Annie Kotowicz

It means approaching others with respect and curiosity, trusting that their actions have reasons, no matter how mysterious they seem at first glance—similar

Passive inclusion is when I walk in a room and nobody kicks me out—but active inclusion is when I walk in a room and people make space for me, physically open their circle to include me, welcome me by name, and catch me up on the current topic of conversation so that I have enough context to participate. The difference is night and day.

“Autism awareness” campaigns usually focus on spreading reminders that autism exists, but I wish there was more focus on how autistic people think, act, and feel.

Many of the problems faced by autistics spring less from our autism and more from how others react to it.

the human spectrum.