Read on Twitter
1. I want to do a thread for #WorldAutismAwarenessDay 
I used to have so many misconceptions about what being autistic is like and that was AFTER I got a degree in Psychology. So I am going to clear some things up, focusing on stuff that is less known:
I used to have so many misconceptions about what being autistic is like and that was AFTER I got a degree in Psychology. So I am going to clear some things up, focusing on stuff that is less known:
2. Myth: Autistics don't have empathy
Truth: This doesn't apply to all autistics. Many actually have an excess of empathy but may struggle to convey it in a way neurotypicals understand.
Truth: This doesn't apply to all autistics. Many actually have an excess of empathy but may struggle to convey it in a way neurotypicals understand.
3.Myth: Autistics lack imagination
Truth: Many autistics are artists, fiction writers, role players, etc. Being autistic doesn't mean you can't enjoy playing pretend. But it can be difficult to picture the steps needed to reach a certain goal
Truth: Many autistics are artists, fiction writers, role players, etc. Being autistic doesn't mean you can't enjoy playing pretend. But it can be difficult to picture the steps needed to reach a certain goal
4. Myth: Autistics aren't interested in other people
Truth: Many autistics, especially women, spend years avidly learning about how people think & function. Some of us even major in Psychology (lol). This can be a way to make up for feeling baffled in social situations so often
Truth: Many autistics, especially women, spend years avidly learning about how people think & function. Some of us even major in Psychology (lol). This can be a way to make up for feeling baffled in social situations so often
5. Myth: All autistics are interested in systemising & categorising things as a hobby
Truth: Autistic special interests are diverse. The main difference is their intensity. The overrepresentation of boys in research has led to a skewed view of what interests autistic kids have
Truth: Autistic special interests are diverse. The main difference is their intensity. The overrepresentation of boys in research has led to a skewed view of what interests autistic kids have
6. Myth: No autistic person can do eye contact
Truth: Some autistics have trained themselves to do it. Others might give too much uninterrupted eye contact
Truth: Some autistics have trained themselves to do it. Others might give too much uninterrupted eye contact
7. Myth: Autistics all have savant skills or excellent memories
Truth: You can't assume anything about an autistic person's skills. It is an individual case by case basis. We tend to have spiky profiles, which means we can be really good at some stuff and really bad at other
Truth: You can't assume anything about an autistic person's skills. It is an individual case by case basis. We tend to have spiky profiles, which means we can be really good at some stuff and really bad at other
8. Myth: Autism experts are the best people to learn about autism from
Truth: These experts only look at external behavior and make (often incorrect) assumptions about the reasons behind them #ActuallyAutistic adults are the best to tell you what being autistic is actually like
Truth: These experts only look at external behavior and make (often incorrect) assumptions about the reasons behind them #ActuallyAutistic adults are the best to tell you what being autistic is actually like
9. Myth: Stimming (self stimulating movement) is always a sign of distress and must be stopped
Truth: Some Stimming is from joy and excitement. If you see an autistic person flapping their hands, don't assume they are having a crisis.
Truth: Some Stimming is from joy and excitement. If you see an autistic person flapping their hands, don't assume they are having a crisis.
10. And don't teach autistic kids this is a bad behavior. Repressing our natural urge to stim can lead to self harmful behavior
11. Myth: You can always tell when someone is autistic
Truth: Because of masking (pretending to be neurotypical), you might have no idea a friend of yours is autistic
Truth: Because of masking (pretending to be neurotypical), you might have no idea a friend of yours is autistic
12. Lastly, I hope neurotypicals make an effort to learn more about what being autistic is like because it is not bad to be different. Don't ask us to be someone we are not and we'll do the same for you
#AutismAcceptance
#AutismAcceptance
13. I want to thank some people who helped me understand all of the above better: @mykola @commaficionado @autistictic @steve_asbell @atypicalcaitlin @lilririah @AspieHuman @NeuroRebel @Samantha_Stein @DrAlanRobinson @autistichoya @A_Silent_Child Thank you 
