Please Don't
Please don’t use the word “autistic” as shorthand for unempathetic white men who think they control the universe. There are other words for this. White supremacy. Sexism. Capitalism. Patriarchy. Selfishness. When you use the word “autistic” as a kind of slur, you are hurting real autistic people. You are hurting me. I already have internalized phobia about my autism. I already struggle with self-esteem related to my diagnosis. Children and adults who might avoid a diagnosis that could otherwise help them are harmed by casual use of autism to mean something that you dislike.
Autism is a neurological disorder. It is a different way of inhabiting and interacting in the world. It sometimes comes with what may appear to be a lack of empathy because autistic people do not interpret social signals in the way that neurotypical people think is obvious. But please let me assure you that autistic people are often capable of empathy. Some autistic people are so over-empathetic that is can be disabling. Just because we don’t show our emotions the way that you do doesn’t mean we aren’t hurt by your prejudice against autism.
Please, become more educated on what autism is—and what it isn’t. Look beyond the stereotypical white male “Rainman” view of autism from the 1980s. Would you accept that kind of view of black people, Asian people, Native Americans, or any other group of marginalized people? I don’t think you would.
Please be kind to and about autistic people.