Autism is an explanation, not an excuse

Another recurring thought I felt compelled to capture.

I touched on autism being “an explanation, not an excuse” in my post Autism does not equal bad behaviour.

But it works both ways & by that I mean my autism does not excuse others’ bad behaviour either.

My autism is not a convenient excuse to exclude me.
My autism does not excuse others’ lack of accommodation.
My autism is not a reason to ignore or dismiss me.
My autism does not justify exploiting my vulnerabilities

I talk about my autism to help me overcome past difficulties & avoid them going forward ~ & for others like me.

I talk about my autism to recognise & promote my strengths ~ & those of others like me.

I talk about my autism to help you understand me because if you understand me you might accept me ~ & others like me ~ & you will know how to accommodate me ~ & others like me.

I talk about my autism in the hope that, together, we might achieve a better mutual understanding of each other & we might rub along together better, utilising each others’ strengths, supporting each others’ weaknesses, achieving more together ~ & others like us might do the same....  

So, in short, & to reiterate:

 "Autism is an explanation, not an excuse.

I tell you I'm Autistic
to help myself, not excuse myself.
I tell you I'm Autistic
to help you, not excuse you."

Autism is an explanation, not an excuse : An Affinity With A