1.
If you really want to annoy us, compare us to Rain Man.
2.
It might look like we're being antisocial, but that doesn't mean you should ignore us.
3.
Even though we hate loud noises, we love listening to other people's conversations.
4.
The idea that we lack empathy is nothing more than a misconception.
5.
And if we do seem unsympathetic, you shouldn't take it personally.
6.
We have varied interests. And we'd rather not call them "obsessions".
7.
Like everyone else, we use our interests to find a sense of purpose.
8.
There's no point comparing us to cultural figures who also have autism.
9.
We're not like Sherlock either.
10.
Contrary to popular belief, we do get jokes.
11.
But some of us can struggle with sarcasm.
12.
We don't have superpowers and can't imprint every single word in the English language onto our minds.
13.
We don't spend all day sitting in a dark corner, coding.
14.
And we're not all mad scientists and mathematicians.
15.
If we ignore you, that doesn't necessarily mean we missed what you were saying.
16.
Having a diagnosis isn't something we use to differentiate ourselves from society. It just gives us a sense of identity.
17.
We're more than capable of being in relationships and expressing heartfelt emotions.
18.
We don't like being told that we're not capable of doing things "normal people" can do.
19.
We're pretty open and don't mind talking about the condition.
