Being perceived as either flaky or too much is a terrifying burden for an Autistic person.

Photo by Casey Horner on Unsplash

I’m out here studying people like a raven on a perch in the corner ceiling of the room, very aware I will not be perceived well if I come down to join everyone. I would describe my character as deep, intellectual, observant, instinctual, and empathetic. Other people seem to perceive me as too much or too little, either way never being the right dose of pill for people to swallow.

Photo by Dušan Tizić on Unsplash

Over and over, in the last year of being in the Autistic Adult Communities on Social Media, I’ve heard a common thread of experience in regards to Identity & Self Worth. “I am either too much or too flaky to others". When what is really happening to the Autistic person is their Autistic characteristics are being used against them or misunderstood - making it increasingly difficult to build long lasting relationships or bonds with others.