Autism Labels: Good or Bad? Let’s Weigh In

Comments · 120

• AU

  @Auticate · 1 year ago · pinned

  So what do YOU think about labels? Do you share labels with others? Drop your thoughts on the good, the bad, and the ugly sides of labels ⤵

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• PA

  @pauline9191 · 1 year ago (edited)

  I’m in France and I recently heard about an autistic teenager who was refused an apprenticeship to work with children because “she doesn’t have empathy”… her mother, who was diagnosed later in life and is a social worker, said not having a label earlier in life, while being a hindrance in many ways, allowed her to do what she wanted to do and not be limited. I’m all for labels (I received my own diagnosis this year) but I’m scared when I see the way we’re treated in society once we have that label… refusing us access to things based on some outdated stereotypes like you said in the video 🙄

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• TE

  @TeyElle-xg7fi · 1 year ago

  I haven’t shared possible labels with others (who are non-judgemental) until recently, cause no matter how educated a person is, once you tell certain people a label, they can automatically believe you’re not capable of much/aren’t that intelligent and won’t change their mind from that, no matter what you do/say.

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• TR

  @trwn87 · 1 year ago

  The phrase “If you know one, you know one.” perfectly sums up the problems with labels. We need descriptions, not judgements.

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• BL

  @blattman13 · 1 year ago

  I can't get an official diagnosis. My therapist brought it to my attention when I told her I felt different and felt everyone treated me differently and started listing why. When I asked a psychologist he said I was too old and it didn't matter since I learned how to deal with it ( see no insurance will cover it). When I did my research things started to make sense and that helped me a lot. I'm now 63 and live alone.

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• FA

  @faeriesmak · 1 year ago

  I just want to say that your videos are really well put together, educational, and entertaining.  Keep up the great work!

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• EE

  @Eeriejane · 1 year ago

  If I am speaking with people who may not understand autism, and I want to advocate for myself, instead of saying I am autistic, I will say I am hypersensitive to smells. Or Can I have those instructions in writing?  Sometimes it helps. The label has its positives and negatives. I am a person first. Autism is a part of my personhood. I want people to see me for who I am not through their biased idea of what an autistic person is.

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• DS

  @ds.laetitia · 1 year ago

  OMG THE DENTIST. I called the secretary for an appointment and asked not to have an Xray. &quot;We always do that and it&apos;s mandatory, don&apos;t worry, it&apos;s paid by social security.&quot; Uh, sorry, I hadn&apos;t been to the dentist for 6 years because of that traumatic unexpected experience after 30 years without any and I was fine, so I can&apos;t see why I should undergo this. &quot;All dentists do that now, you know, it&apos;s not that a big deal&quot;. Actually, I&apos;m autistic and have sensory issues, if you tell me I must undergo Xray, I just won&apos;t see any dentist at all. &quot;Oh, I understand. But it doesn&apos;t make noise, we put a thing in the mouth and...&quot; YES EXACTLY, sensory issues cover that too. &quot;Oh, ok, I understand. Then I will write that down, and you can talk about it with the dentist to make the decision.&quot; FINALLY!!!<br><br>So it went well, the dentist was really understanding and explained everything she was doing. They even turned the TV off (WHY THE HELL IS THERE A TV TO WATCH ABOVE THE SEAT).

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• GA

  @Gaya-ch1ff · 1 year ago

  Ps To all the psychiatrists: Stop saying that you won’t diagnose because it’s labeling!!! That’s just nonsensical!!!! <br>Official diagnostics have a purpose!!! It’s exactly like refusing to give a physical diagnosis to a disabled person!!! <br>« No I won’t diagnose yr cancer coz it’s labeling » <br>I might get labeled by some for having cancer but I still need the fracking chemo!<br>Not my best analogy, sorry. But I did have cancer and it’s the first thing I could think of.

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• JE

  @JessLightWorker · 1 year ago

  I’m all about authenticity and proudly tell people I’m Autistic and have ADHD. &nbsp;This helps people understand me better which makes me more comfortable. &nbsp;I also want to normalise conversations about hidden disabilities, mental illness, mental health, eating disorders. &nbsp;There should be no shame. &nbsp;If we can’t talk about these subjects then no one will get the support they deserve. &nbsp;I also always promote parents accepting a label for their child. &nbsp;Knowledge = understanding = improved quality of life for all involved. &nbsp;The picture perfect lives portrayed in all media just makes everyone feel inadequate. &nbsp;People have always been shocked at my openness about depression, anxiety, eating disorders and now my late AuDHD diagnosis… but I’m here to raise awareness and make it ok for others to talk about too if they wish to or at least know that they are not alone. &nbsp;❤

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• LI

  @Liquidmoonshadow · 1 year ago

  I don&apos;t know if anyone remembers that I was supposed to go get a screening to see if I have ADHD/autism or not, but here&apos;s the update.<br>They tested me for ADHD but didn&apos;t test me for autism. 🤨🙄 I guess I have some mild cognitive/learning disabilities, and they told me my PTSD could be the reason I&apos;m having some problems and possibly not ADHD. So I&apos;m back at square one. Still confused and still wondering if I&apos;m just highly sensitive to my environment and other sensory input in general, or just (insert antisocial behavior adverb here). I&apos;m not pursuing a diagnosis for paperwork sake, but more towards a possible different approach to how I can use coping skills and CBT better to handle life&apos;s little surprises and thorns.<br>Thank you for reading and for all of your support!

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• OG

  @OGimouse1 · 1 year ago

  I&apos;ve only run into one person in my professional life who actually understands my autism is neither a superpower or a complete disability. &nbsp;We can actually joke about it

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