//Getting the "you don't look autistic/adhd" comment is so funny actually, like, no shit, Jessica. Of course I don't.
(Mod rant below cut. Not in character, read at your own risk /j)
I'm masking.
But I was also a nonverbal toddler, I refused to wear jeans until I was 11 because every type that my parents bought were either too itchy or too tight, I've been obsessed with birds ever since I was three, and I have a breakdown every time I touch a wet plate when doing the dishes.
I get the "Are you okay? You look tired" comment a lot, as well.
I normally pawn it off on my shitty sleep schedule, but most of the time, the people who ask me that question are neurotypical.
I'm not saying they can't, but in my experience, they seem to have a harder time grasping the fact that on top of the normal load of work, (school, jobs, sports, ect,) it takes a lot of effort to even present as neurotypical in the slightest.
So yeah, of course I'm tired. Of course I look annoyed. Maybe because it's annoying when people say things regarding disabilities they know next to nothing about. Saying things like "I'm so OCD, I have to keep everything organized" or "I need to clean, I'm so depressed" (in a joking manor) is straight up disrespectful, because not only are you making fun of said disabilities (whether intentional or not), but you are completely looking over the struggles in their lives and putting yourself in the spotlight instead.
I'm not saying every nt person is like this, I know many that are very supportive of myself and others who are in many different places in the spectrum, but it's important to keep in mind.
If you are neurotypical, you shouldn't be using a mental disability like it's a personal experience period. I understand if you're restating a second hand experience, but I don't think that using yourself as the subject in that case to be appropriate.
Anyways, sorry for ranting. I've been in a bit of a mood lately and needed to get that off of my chest. /lh
