Dear self-diagnosed autistic soul

If you're self-diagnosed autistic this is for you...

I know the constant invalidation can be a lot. 

I know the people claiming you aren't autistic because you don't have a diagnosis sound so confident that it can be hard to ignore.

I know that even though you are 99.9% sure you're autistic, that .1% still makes you wonder sometimes and the constant invalidation only makes you wonder more.

I know that even though you have read the DSM criteria, countless articles, and have spent countless hours learning about autism... the fact that you are not a diagnostician makes you question yourself. 

I know that the fact that people in your own life don't believe you makes you question your painstakingly acquired knowledge about autism. 

I know that even though you have spent your entire life BEING autistic and you are PAINFULLY aware of the internal autistic experience better than anyone questioning your self-diagnosis, those people still get in your head sometimes.

I know that even though your self-diagnosis is FOR YOU, all the people telling you you are claiming to be autistic for attention can make you feel like an imposter.

But here's what I also know.

Even though you don't have a piece of paper confirming your diagnosis... 

Your autism is real.

Your autism is causing you to struggle in significant ways.

Your autism has cost you in ways no one else will ever fully understand. Especially well intentioned people who love you but don't understand autism.

And MOST importantly...

You deserve validation.

You deserve support.

You deserve acceptance.

Please don't let anyone convince you otherwise.

You are seen.

You are deserving.

You are a valued and valuable member of the autistic community.

And you belong here.

Take up space.

It is yours.

🪑