Autistic Pride Day: Different, Not Less

To help us understand the importance of days such as Autistic Pride Day, I think it is interesting and useful to gain some insight into the ‘inner experience’ of an autistic person. By this I mean to try and see the world through eyes different to our own.

Autism is largely recognised and conceptualised as a neurodevelopmental difference. But what does this mean?

One way to answer this is by noting that many autistic people grow up in environments that are largely designed for neurotypical ways of thinking, communicating and socialising. By neurotypical I mean how people generally understand ways of thinking, speaking, acting and behaving. Things taken for granted and seen as ‘normal’. This may be the world you recognise, one where people try to focus on things around them so they can fit in and feel the same. Feel included.  This idea of normality is embedded in us, and it is easy to assume other people are the same as us. And if we find out they are not it can be difficult to manage our responses and reactions.

It is important therefore to recognise that for people with autism, the world around is different. Some common differences for autistic people might be seen as:

• Social communication – may interpret language more literally and find unwritten social rules difficult to navigate.
• Social interaction – may find it easier to manage one-to-one relationships over large groups.
• Sensory processing – can be more or less sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, smells, or other sensory input.
• Need for consistency – often values routine, structure, and clear expectations, finding unexpected changes stressful.
• Focused interests – may develop deep knowledge, passion, and expertise in specific areas of interest.
• Processing information – can be different as often their thinking is highly detailed, analytical, or pattern-based.
• Emotional regulation – can experience emotions intensely and become overwhelmed when demands exceed their coping resources.
• Cognitive functioning – may find planning, organisation, prioritisation, or switching between tasks more challenging.

It is important to understand that life can be very difficult and different for the neurodivergent person. Often autistic people might initially look, act or behave as most other people and as a result assumptions towards them can cause emotional stress and strain. Some autistic individuals describe needing a “social mask” to fit in with social expectations. And whilst this may help navigate social situations, it can also be emotionally exhausting and contribute to difficulties with their identity, self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.

By speaking to difference in this way I hope to generate an understanding, which can promote and more people to accept and embrace differences. Relationships without judgement can build a sense of internal and external security, which in turn, allows personal growth, self-esteem and confidence to develop.

This Autistic Pride Day, let us celebrate neurodiversity, champion inclusion and recognise that our differences are an important part of what makes humanity better and stronger.