Thanks for replying! This above fits in much better with my previous mental model of autism: it’s intrinsic, it describes a “difference” in someone’s way of experiencing the world.
I’m still struggling to understand how this meshes with what you said above about only being autistic if you have support needs.
I don’t understand what implications that would have for someone who (for example) develops enough coping strategies that they no longer have any support needs. As far as I understand it, there’s no way to “cure” autism, so those folks would still be autistic but without support needs, which doesn’t seem to fit?
I don't think having zero support needs is realistic. If you have for example sensory issues like being sensitive to bright light or having trouble eating certain food then this doesn't go away. And just living in a world made for neurotypical people will always be a bit distressing and cause social problems.
Yes, there is a bit of a contradiction in advocacy because on one hand we want to spread awareness about the natural diversity of how humans brains work and remove prejudices and celebrate that diversity but also we don't want to minimize that it is a disability and people do need help.
I’m still struggling to understand how this meshes with what you said above about only being autistic if you have support needs.
I don’t understand what implications that would have for someone who (for example) develops enough coping strategies that they no longer have any support needs. As far as I understand it, there’s no way to “cure” autism, so those folks would still be autistic but without support needs, which doesn’t seem to fit?