Why is autism used to insult and offend people?

[Anonymous]

Hello! I’m Chloe, and I am high functioning autistic and I was diagnosed at 18 months. However, ever since I was introduced to social media, I see people making offensive jokes about autism, mainly on Instagram and TikTok. Sometimes I’ll go into comment sections and witness fights from strangers asking the other “are you autistic?” in a mocking way. Like WHY out of so many other ways to handle a fight, that they have to use a brain disorder to insult and make fun of others? Not only that, I’m constantly seeing people assume people have autism for ‘clout’ or making it ‘their entire personality’. Two years ago on GirlsAskGuys a very ignorant man made the assumption that I didn’t have autism, just because of how I wrote and my good grammar and calling me ‘normal’. Why is autism so targeted on social media, and are there any tips on how I can handle it in a healthy way? Seeing people make fun of it almost everyday is destroying my mental health and making me insecure about myself. So, why is this happening? KIND and SINCERE opinions would be appreciated :)

[CarrieNC]

It's really disheartening to hear that you're constantly seeing people use autism as a way to insult and offend others on social media. I can understand how hurtful that must be for you,.

It's completely unacceptable for people to use a brain disorder as a way to mock and belittle others. It's even more frustrating that people are using autism as a way to gain attention or make it "their entire personality." This kind of behavior is not only disrespectful, but it also perpetuates harmful stereotypes and misunderstandings about autism.

I also understand how hurtful it must have been for that man on GirlsAskGuys to assume that you don't have autism just because of your good grammar and writing skills. It's important to remember that autism is a spectrum disorder and can present itself differently in each individual.

As for why this is happening, unfortunately, it's likely that a lot of people simply don't understand autism and the impact it can have on someone's life. They may not realize how hurtful their words and actions can be. Additionally, social media can sometimes create a culture of ignorance and cruelty, where people feel emboldened to say or do things they wouldn't in person.

In terms of how you can handle it in a healthy way, it's important to remember that you're not alone. There are many other individuals on the autism spectrum who may be experiencing similar feelings of hurt and frustration. You can seek support from friends, family, or a therapist who can help you process your feelings and come up with coping strategies.

You can also take action by educating others about autism and speaking out against harmful stereotypes and jokes. It's important to remember that you deserve respect and understanding, and you have the right to advocate for yourself.

[anon171999]

I have learned that every single person deals with emotional & mental health issues. Some more than others. Everyone is broken to some degree. When people mistreat others or themselves it's because they are broken & hate themselves deep down. Don't be offended by these people. Don't take them seriously and don't place any value or significance on their opinions, words, emotions, or actions. A lot of broken people look for any reason to try to hurt and break other people too. Don't let them. The only opinions & words that should matter are those that come from people who always treat you with love and respect. If people ever treat you with disrespect or a lack of love, end the conversation & all further conversations with them.

Remember: you're not the problem. Neither is the fact that you have autism. The problem is the rude people. They are the ones with a problem. They have severe emotional and mental health issues. Don't take it personal. Because it's not about you, it's about them & what's going on in their lives & emotions.

[jshm2]

It isn't really an insult. Antivaxxers try and use it as an insult though.

All "autism" really means is being on a spectrum of communication disorders. From very mild to very severe.

It isn't a "disease" nor too much of an issue for something like 80% of the people diagnosed with it. They just need a bit of extra support, is all.

In fact there are even some who claim there isn't really such a thing as "autism." That it's just a whole lot of different things being bunched together.

Regardless. It's not really something you should get upset about. Rather, you should laugh at the ignorance of people who try and use it against you.

[Anonymous]

Most people, even clinical professionals, do not know what autism actually is. They'll claim they do. They've seen Rain Man or been on a four hour awareness course. They'll swear blind you're normal then but there's something off about you. Oh and you don't look autistic so...
People have always used slurs. The word may be different now but they are always devoid of meaning other than used as shorthand to insult the other person. In those terms, calling someone autistic, doesn't mean they have autism. It's just a vacuous insult.

[bean2k21]

I've never had the opportunity to insult anyone with autism. This guy at a gas station called me a faggot, and I said that the only people who call people faggot are themselves faggots. But, this was too difficult for him to comprehend, so he might have been mentally challenged, but I'm not entirely sure.

[Asker]

I’m pretty sure the word f*ggot is an insult for gay people and/or people in the LGBTQIA+ community and is very offensive and rude to say. I’m sorry you got called that, people are idiots. However, I don’t think anyone with autism and anyone with a disorder or disability deserves to be insulted that was designed *for* the disability that they have. I just wish people were kinder, but sadly our world is filled with a lot of hate