If you’ve ever waded into the chaotic, meme-filled sea of Reddit’s Wall Street Bets (WSB), you’ve probably noticed something peculiar: users casually referring to themselves as “autists.” It’s not whispered—it’s loud, proud, and frequently accompanied by rocket emojis, stock graphs, and absurd commentary about YOLO trades.
For those of us who are actually autistic, this trend is… complicated. At its best, it feels like a cheeky reclamation of neurodivergence, a self-aware jab at obsessive tendencies. At its worst, it feels reductive, another internet joke stripping a deeply personal experience of its nuance.
Let’s dig into what’s going on here—why Redditors call themselves “autists,” how it intersects with actual autism, and what it says about society’s evolving (and often frustratingly shallow) understanding of neurodivergence.
Why Wall Street Bets Users Call Themselves “Autists”
1. Internet Hyperbole at Its Finest
Reddit thrives on chaos, and WSB takes this to an art form. Calling themselves “autists” is part of the community’s over-the-top humor, where self-deprecation reigns supreme. These traders aren’t just risking their life savings—they’re doing so while loudly proclaiming their inability to think rationally about it.
“Autist” becomes shorthand for their brand of obsessive, irrational behavior. It’s not just about making bad decisions—it’s about doing it with conviction.
2. Leaning Into Stereotypes
There’s a persistent stereotype that autistic people are savants, blessed with laser-sharp focus on niche subjects and unmatched analytical skills. While this is true for a minority of autistic people, it’s far from the norm. But WSB leans into this idea, equating their obsessive stock tracking and niche financial strategies with “autistic behavior.”
Never mind that most of these users are more likely gambling than employing Rain Man-level calculations.
3. Rebellion and Irreverence
WSB revels in rejecting social norms, embracing risk, and flipping off the establishment. Using “autist” as a self-imposed label turns a word that’s often wielded as an insult into a badge of honor. It’s the same energy as calling themselves “degenerates” or “apes”—an irreverent middle finger to societal expectations.
4. Shock Value
Let’s be real: much of Reddit humor is about pushing boundaries. Calling yourself an “autist” while bragging about losing thousands on meme stocks is peak edgy internet behavior. The term is used not because it’s accurate, but because it’s provocative.
How It Feels as an Actual Autistic Person
When I first stumbled upon WSB’s casual use of “autist,” I didn’t know how to feel. On one hand, it was jarring—autism is a fundamental part of my identity, not a punchline. On the other hand, it wasn’t entirely malicious. For some, it seemed to be an honest (if clumsy) way of embracing their own quirks.
Still, there’s something unsettling about seeing a word that carries so much weight for me—years of self-discovery, moments of shame and pride—reduced to internet slang. It’s like watching someone take a treasured family heirloom and use it as a paperweight.
Does Everyone Have Autism Now?
This brings me to a larger question: why does it sometimes feel like everyone is claiming autism these days? Spend enough time online, and you’ll see countless posts about self-diagnosis, neurodivergence, and the quirky behaviors people think make them autistic.
1. Awareness Is Growing
Autism awareness has exploded in recent years, and that’s a good thing. More people are recognizing traits in themselves and others, leading to better understanding and acceptance. But with awareness comes oversimplification. Suddenly, every introvert or awkward person wonders if they’re “on the spectrum.”
2. Over-Medicalizing Quirks
Not every obsessive interest or social misstep is autism. Sometimes, it’s just personality. But the internet loves a label, and autism has become shorthand for everything from social anxiety to hyper-focus.
3. TikTok and Self-Diagnosis Culture
Platforms like TikTok have made neurodivergence a trending topic, with creators sharing lists of “autistic traits” that are often vague or overly broad. While self-diagnosis can be valid, it can also lead to misunderstandings about what autism actually entails.
4. Memefication of Autism
The internet excels at turning complex topics into bite-sized jokes. Autism, with its mix of recognizable traits and stereotypes, has become prime meme material. The result? A diluted understanding of what autism really means.
The Danger of Dilution
When everyone starts claiming autistic traits—whether in jest or earnest—it has real consequences:
- Erasing Real Experiences: The struggles and triumphs of autistic people can feel overshadowed by those who casually co-opt the label.
- Amplifying Stereotypes: Instead of debunking myths, the internet often reinforces them (hello, Rain Man comparisons).
- Minimizing Challenges: Turning autism into a quirky personality trait downplays the very real difficulties many of us face.
Autism and Money: Are We All Rain Man?
This is where it gets weirdly personal. Autism and money management have a fraught relationship. On one hand, many of us struggle with executive dysfunction, making budgeting and planning a nightmare. On the other hand, hyper-focus and niche expertise can lead to surprising financial success—think Rain Man counting cards in Vegas.
But the reality is far less glamorous. Studies suggest that autistic people are more vulnerable to financial scams and impulsive spending, partly because of difficulty understanding risk or social cues. For every autistic savant who outsmarts the system, there are countless others struggling to make ends meet.
What I Wish Reddit Understood
- Autism Is Not a Joke: It’s fine to embrace quirks and humor, but understand the weight of the word.
- Being Obsessive Isn’t the Same as Being Autistic: Tracking meme stocks doesn’t make you neurodivergent—it makes you committed.
- Words Matter: Casual use of terms like “autist” can trivialize the experiences of those who actually live with autism.
Final Thoughts
The “autist” trend on Reddit is a strange mix of irreverence, ignorance, and occasional self-awareness. For those of us on the spectrum, it’s both fascinating and frustrating—a reminder of how far we’ve come in terms of awareness, and how far we still have to go.
If nothing else, it’s proof that autism has captured the public imagination. Now, let’s channel that energy into understanding the full, messy, beautiful reality of what it means to be autistic. And maybe leave the edgy jokes behind.
