Everyone has a little bit of autism.
It feels like my daily struggles are being reduced to a quirky personality trait that anyone can adopt.
What it made you think
That your challenges are not unique or significant, and that your struggles are something everyone experiences.
The True Story
Your experiences are valid, and it's okay to set boundaries when someone's words don't reflect that.
What is happening in your system?
The instant reaction is invalidation. It feels like your identity and daily difficulties are being reduced to common, easily relatable traits, minimizing the specific challenges you face.
What changes in you...
It makes you less likely to share your struggles and more likely to mask or hide your true self to avoid invalidation.
How can I navigate this in the moment?
A few ways to respond when this lands. Take whichever feels right, or none at all.
The Low-Battery Out
"That doesn't resonate with my experience."
The Honest Explanation
"While some traits might overlap, the intensity and impact are very different for me. It's more than just a little bit."
Drawing the Line
"I appreciate you trying to relate, but I'm not up for discussing this right now. Let's change the subject."
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