I’ve lost count of how many times people have told me, “You don’t seem disabled.” It’s meant as a compliment, but it stings every time.
Because here’s the thing: my autism isn’t the problem. The problem is living in a world that doesn’t make room for people like me.
Disability Isn’t Always What You Think
When people think of disability, they often picture physical impairments—like a wheelchair or a cast. Invisible disabilities, like autism, don’t get the same recognition.
But here’s what people don’t see:
- I can’t follow verbal instructions unless they’re broken into steps.
- Bright lights and loud noises make my brain shut down.
- Social interactions feel like navigating a minefield with no map.
A Memory of Misunderstanding
A few years ago, I worked in an office that prided itself on being “inclusive.” But when I asked for a quiet space to decompress after meetings, my manager said, “Can’t you just use your lunch break?”
I tried to explain how sensory overload affects my ability to focus, but they brushed it off. “Everyone gets stressed,” they said.
It wasn’t stress—it was exhaustion from masking and overstimulation. By the end of the week, I was so burned out that I quit.
Why the Problem Isn’t Autism
- Lack of Accommodations:
- Open-plan offices are a nightmare for people with sensory sensitivities.
- Group projects and team-building exercises ignore the needs of introverts and neurodivergent people.
- Ignorance and Stigma:
- People assume that if you don’t “look disabled,” you don’t need help.
- Requests for accommodations are often met with skepticism or dismissal.
- One-Size-Fits-All Systems:
- Society rewards conformity and punishes those who deviate from the norm.
- Instead of adapting systems to fit diverse needs, people are expected to adapt themselves.
What I Wish People Understood
- Accommodations Aren’t Special Privileges:
- They’re tools that help level the playing field. Asking for noise-canceling headphones or flexible deadlines isn’t about being difficult—it’s about being able to do my best work.
- Inclusion Benefits Everyone:
- Creating a sensory-friendly environment doesn’t just help autistic people—it makes the space better for everyone.
- Disability Isn’t a Bad Word:
- Acknowledging my needs doesn’t diminish my abilities—it empowers me to succeed.
The Future I Want
I dream of a world where workplaces have quiet rooms, schools teach neurodiversity, and public spaces prioritize accessibility. Where accommodations aren’t seen as burdens, but as basic human rights.
Because when we accommodate people’s needs, we allow them to thrive.
FAQ
Q: Isn’t autism just a different way of thinking? Why call it a disability?
A: Autism itself isn’t inherently disabling, but the lack of accommodations in society creates barriers that disable us.
Q: How can I make my space more inclusive?
A: Start by listening. Ask what people need, and be willing to adapt. Small changes—like reducing noise or offering flexible schedules—make a big difference.
