I’m a highly functioning autistic person because I was lucky enough to “pass”, I’ve conditioned myself in ways to survive the normal.
I’ve had many people tell that me claiming to be autistic is disrespectful to those who are autistic. Which makes absolutely no sense because I’m autistic …. Autism is a spectrum. It goes in many different directions and levels.
If we really want equality in this world, we need to stop placing people in check boxes designed by tools like RFK Junior.
RFK is Not Cool. I have a moderately autistic son (no custody though) and the world meeds him too
Meanwhile for the longest time I thought I was probably on the spectrum, but now some things have happened and I'm pretty sure it's a totally different thing. Sorry for being vague, I'm still working out the implications but the administration won't like me either!
Thank you for your courageous expression, Séan! This is important dialogue that can help bring awareness and hopefully move us into greater understanding and compassion. More, please. 🙏💕
Oh Seán, thank you for putting this out there. You have my utmost love, respect and kinship, always! And not just because I walk in the same shoes in this particular instance, but because we're simply human - and being human comes with such a variety, I refuse to subjugate human lives to systems that impose hierarchical worth on people. We're not linear beings, nothing on this planet is linear.
An overwhelming majority of writers I like are autistic and are actively dismantling the myth of a "progressive" society that cares about disabilities. I'd say that's a major fear for people like RFK Jr. because it undermines their capitalist hegemony.
All of this takes me back to how I was erased my entire life, how things like naturally being introverted and having different interest than other children were beaten out of me. How I was laughed at by "medical professionals" and told I was lazy and/or depressed and I should take some antidepressants and shut up. In adulthood, "healthcare" and general people see what they want to see in me - the person who got a Master's degree, got married and had children. They don't see, purely because they don't want to see, the person who shakes in the corner because the noise around me is unbearable or who spent her entire life in poverty as I'm unable to work despite my intense motivation and passion, because my body physically crumbles.
I thought a lot about why I wanted to pursue my diagnosis in the first place. I strongly feel our diagnoses are something that wouldn't even need to exist in a different framework, outside of capitalism. We're disabled only because "ability" is defined through the lens of capitalist production. The fact so many places still cling onto diagnosing autism with "levels" is a living proof of that. There are no levels, no "high functioning" nonsense - for each and every one of us, how we function and how much support we need changes every single day, and is often made worse by our exploitative, inhumane surroundings.
Does my autism mean I "can't do" things? The fu*k it does. I can feed you with meals that will blow your mind, I can grow food, I can teach you languages and gazillion art techniques, show you all sorts of DIY that will make your life more independent and sustainable. The thing is, I can't do any of that the way capitalism wants me to, in a structured 9-5 way, I can't pay the made-up concept of taxes with the made-up concept of money. And that makes me an enemy, same as caring and loving those of us profoundly disabled, with high support needs, purely based on being alive makes people an enemy. We're showing that everything in life can be done for free, that hierarchies don't exist, and that gift economy is Life with a capital L - and that the whole concept of capitalism is a fat lie. RFK doesn't give a damn about anyone's health, he's here to ensure capitalism keeps going.
As I get old, I recognize neurodivergent issues in myself; and looking around, I see that almost everyone is now neurodivergent, or hiding it People hide in their computers, their phones, their work. Our sick culture, our sick relationship with our planet and the world, all combine to short-circuit most minds to some degree. The most real people I know are on the Spectrum, and their gifts are beautiful.
People often don't see nor understand the exhaustion and anxiety that goes with trying to 'high function.' It all too often gets blanketed under rudeness or some other social ineptness.
Thank you for writing so beautifully. It's not surprising that so few people outside the autism community actually understand what autism is, in the same way that people outside the disabled community don't understand what disability is, much less the intersecting circles in the Venn diagram of intersectionality between ASD, disability, functionality, socioeconomic class, education, ethnicity, etc. I cannot understand your lived experience because I'm not you, but I can listen to you and believe you, and be grateful for your sharing.
I’m so grateful you’ve taken the time to draw this clear line and articulate your view and experience here. Thank you!
It’s moving to see courage rise, as it so often does through your pen and deeds, when deadly narratives are draped in self-proclaimed “solutions” from anchorless power-mongers. They only further institutionalize violence and drag the ignorant along under their cloak.
I love how you use that fool’s foundation to illuminate the truth. Again, though humbling in the revelations this requires, thank you for moving ahead on the high road!
My child is on the spectrum and is truly magical, rainbow, crystal and Beautiful! We both love David Bowie, and as Americans, one of our Favorite songs is, "I'm Afraid of Americans". I feel that way every time I leave the house! RFK, Jr is a loon and nothing like his father or uncle. Thank you for this Beautiful article!
Sean, thank you. This is powerful writing. Something rose within me when I read it and I gave birth to it in the form of a note, with which I shared your article. My note reads as follows:
"This is powerful writing from my dear friend and teacher Sean Padraig O’Donoghue.
This is an anthem to those of us who do not dance to the same tune, who understand the language of Elder Trees, who are not adapted to this bleak, destructive invention we call civilization.
We shall not be conquered.
We shall not be subdued.
We will rise in strength together like a powerful tide on the Ocean.
We will find a way, like Life herself has always done.
I’m a highly functioning autistic person because I was lucky enough to “pass”, I’ve conditioned myself in ways to survive the normal.
I’ve had many people tell that me claiming to be autistic is disrespectful to those who are autistic. Which makes absolutely no sense because I’m autistic …. Autism is a spectrum. It goes in many different directions and levels.
If we really want equality in this world, we need to stop placing people in check boxes designed by tools like RFK Junior.
RFK is Not Cool. I have a moderately autistic son (no custody though) and the world meeds him too
Meanwhile for the longest time I thought I was probably on the spectrum, but now some things have happened and I'm pretty sure it's a totally different thing. Sorry for being vague, I'm still working out the implications but the administration won't like me either!
Thank you for your courageous expression, Séan! This is important dialogue that can help bring awareness and hopefully move us into greater understanding and compassion. More, please. 🙏💕
Thank you, Sean. I was absolutely enraged to hear RFK's views, though not at all surprised. Sending Fierce Love Love Love
RFK is appalling. No way is my son going on any registry he has anything to do with.
You are a gift. A powerful voice. A warrior’s heart, a poet’s soul. 🙏🏼
Oh Seán, thank you for putting this out there. You have my utmost love, respect and kinship, always! And not just because I walk in the same shoes in this particular instance, but because we're simply human - and being human comes with such a variety, I refuse to subjugate human lives to systems that impose hierarchical worth on people. We're not linear beings, nothing on this planet is linear.
An overwhelming majority of writers I like are autistic and are actively dismantling the myth of a "progressive" society that cares about disabilities. I'd say that's a major fear for people like RFK Jr. because it undermines their capitalist hegemony.
All of this takes me back to how I was erased my entire life, how things like naturally being introverted and having different interest than other children were beaten out of me. How I was laughed at by "medical professionals" and told I was lazy and/or depressed and I should take some antidepressants and shut up. In adulthood, "healthcare" and general people see what they want to see in me - the person who got a Master's degree, got married and had children. They don't see, purely because they don't want to see, the person who shakes in the corner because the noise around me is unbearable or who spent her entire life in poverty as I'm unable to work despite my intense motivation and passion, because my body physically crumbles.
I thought a lot about why I wanted to pursue my diagnosis in the first place. I strongly feel our diagnoses are something that wouldn't even need to exist in a different framework, outside of capitalism. We're disabled only because "ability" is defined through the lens of capitalist production. The fact so many places still cling onto diagnosing autism with "levels" is a living proof of that. There are no levels, no "high functioning" nonsense - for each and every one of us, how we function and how much support we need changes every single day, and is often made worse by our exploitative, inhumane surroundings.
Does my autism mean I "can't do" things? The fu*k it does. I can feed you with meals that will blow your mind, I can grow food, I can teach you languages and gazillion art techniques, show you all sorts of DIY that will make your life more independent and sustainable. The thing is, I can't do any of that the way capitalism wants me to, in a structured 9-5 way, I can't pay the made-up concept of taxes with the made-up concept of money. And that makes me an enemy, same as caring and loving those of us profoundly disabled, with high support needs, purely based on being alive makes people an enemy. We're showing that everything in life can be done for free, that hierarchies don't exist, and that gift economy is Life with a capital L - and that the whole concept of capitalism is a fat lie. RFK doesn't give a damn about anyone's health, he's here to ensure capitalism keeps going.
I’ve been listening to a fascinating podcast called The Telepathy Tapes. Autistic people have various gifts we’re unaware of. Thanks for this article.
As I get old, I recognize neurodivergent issues in myself; and looking around, I see that almost everyone is now neurodivergent, or hiding it People hide in their computers, their phones, their work. Our sick culture, our sick relationship with our planet and the world, all combine to short-circuit most minds to some degree. The most real people I know are on the Spectrum, and their gifts are beautiful.
Oh, Seán, my heart is with you and all who support you, and all of us who are made so rich by knowing you. I stand with you, a chara.
People often don't see nor understand the exhaustion and anxiety that goes with trying to 'high function.' It all too often gets blanketed under rudeness or some other social ineptness.
Thank you for writing so beautifully. It's not surprising that so few people outside the autism community actually understand what autism is, in the same way that people outside the disabled community don't understand what disability is, much less the intersecting circles in the Venn diagram of intersectionality between ASD, disability, functionality, socioeconomic class, education, ethnicity, etc. I cannot understand your lived experience because I'm not you, but I can listen to you and believe you, and be grateful for your sharing.
I’m so grateful you’ve taken the time to draw this clear line and articulate your view and experience here. Thank you!
It’s moving to see courage rise, as it so often does through your pen and deeds, when deadly narratives are draped in self-proclaimed “solutions” from anchorless power-mongers. They only further institutionalize violence and drag the ignorant along under their cloak.
I love how you use that fool’s foundation to illuminate the truth. Again, though humbling in the revelations this requires, thank you for moving ahead on the high road!
My child is on the spectrum and is truly magical, rainbow, crystal and Beautiful! We both love David Bowie, and as Americans, one of our Favorite songs is, "I'm Afraid of Americans". I feel that way every time I leave the house! RFK, Jr is a loon and nothing like his father or uncle. Thank you for this Beautiful article!
Love the versions/remixes with Nine Inch Nails! also Ice Cube I think?
Oh, I haven't heard them! I'll have to look for them, thanks!
Not like. LOVE.
Sean, thank you. This is powerful writing. Something rose within me when I read it and I gave birth to it in the form of a note, with which I shared your article. My note reads as follows:
"This is powerful writing from my dear friend and teacher Sean Padraig O’Donoghue.
This is an anthem to those of us who do not dance to the same tune, who understand the language of Elder Trees, who are not adapted to this bleak, destructive invention we call civilization.
We shall not be conquered.
We shall not be subdued.
We will rise in strength together like a powerful tide on the Ocean.
We will find a way, like Life herself has always done.
We will outlive civilization.
We are the Earth speaking to you."
Thank you. I share your outrage.
♥️ I'm in a slightly different tristimanic spectrum but I feel you...good words .....and I worry about y'all over there...
Luckily I live in Canada. But my country is not immune to contagion by US ideas... it's very scary, yes.