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Yeah, so I have autism

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What is this website?

This website IS:

  • A guide to what autism is, and how it impacts me.

This website is NOT:

  • An invitation to argue with me, disagree with my diagnosis, or invalidate my experience.

Note: I have no expectation that you’ll memorize any of this; rather I hope you’ll familiarize yourself with what’s included herein so you can reference it as needed.

Whom is it for?

For those who HAVE autism:

I am sharing this with you to share the research I’ve done, the resources I’ve found, and the tools I’ve put together in hopes that you’ll feel validated, seen, and understood. Take what parts apply to you and discard the rest.

For those who DO NOT have autism:

My sharing this is not an indication that I trust you, feel safe around you, or have a desire for you to understand me better. Rather, I am sharing it with you with the goal of preventing you from harming me and other autistic folks.

Suggested Reading Order

I recommend reading this site in the following order so that you have a basic understanding of what autism is and the frequently used terms before you dive into my experience and what to (not) say to me (or any autistic person).

1. Intro to autism

2. Joy’s experience

3. Terms to (not) say

4. Other resources

Joy’s Note

This website is the result of HUNDREDS of hours of my work.  The external links included herein are the results of THOUSANDS if not TENS OF THOUSANDS of hours of other people’s work.  I want to be incredibly clear here:  in no way did I do this work to serve non-autistic (allistic) folks.  I did this work to serve myself and other autistic folks by saving us from having to explain ourselves and our experience over and over.

I realize that the creation of this document sets a very dangerous precedent as it sets your expectation that other disabled and/or marginalized folks will spend hundreds or thousands of hours explaining  themselves to you.  NO MARGINALIZED GROUP OWES YOU AN EXPLANATION OR EDUCATION.  Our boundaries are our boundaries. You do not need to understand our boundaries to respect them.  You do not need to understand our accommodations to provide them.

And if you have questions, Google is available.