Do I think being autistic is a disability?
Important notice: This article contains discussion around a VERY sensitive topic area. These are my views. I completely respect those who disagree with me, and I know many will. All comments on social media will be monitored. Disagreeing is fine, let’s have healthy debate. However, any disrespect to each other will be removed. Don’t forget we are all on the same team. With that in mind let’s see what MY views are on whether autism is a disability…
Do I think I am broken? No. Absolutely not.
Do I think I am disabled? Yes.
I went back to work today after being off for two weeks. Before entering the office, I went to the office bathroom. I go to the bathroom about 20% because I need to use it, and 80% as a coping mechanism to either calm down or gain composure before entering the office. Like I did this morning. The bus was manic, the streets were loud, I just needed a moment in the quiet confines of a toilet cubicle.
When I walked in, I was met by the sight of two robot looking things on the wall. The hand dryers had been fixed and upgraded. I could tell they were going to be loud. I wasn’t wrong. Someone exited a cubicle and proceeded to use the dryer. The noise roared through my brain and I put my hands over my ears. Not only had I lost my safe place, but throughout the day I was being pushed to sensory overload when I really did just need the toilet.
I’ve come a long way and I knew there would be a solution. The first I thought of was, I could use the disabled toilet. Then I was struck by the feeling that I shouldn’t do that. Then I questioned myself as to why I thought that? Autism is classed as a disability. I was struggling to use the ‘normal’ bathrooms. Why did it make me feel so uncomfortable to consider using the disabled one?
Let’s get pedantic for a second. I’m autistic, humour me.
The equality act defines disabled as ‘you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.’
Now by that definition I would certainly argue autism falls into that category. And of course, legally, it does. Let’s not forget that if you want to argue autism is not a disability, you are arguing to remove our protection under the disability part of the equality act, as well as our right to reasonable adjustments at work. That’s aside from disability benefit and a ton of other support available to help autistic people.
Medically and legally autism is a disability. So, why do so many people argue it is not? I think it is largely down to negative connotations around the world ‘disabled.’ The word ‘disabled’ isn’t a dirty word, I’m not ashamed to be disabled and others shouldn’t try and avoid calling me it. I think I am disabled as an autistic person, but I do not think being autistic is a bad thing.
I also think a lot of it is from the neurodiverse movement. Which I am a part of and very proud to be. I get the idea behind it, and I agree we should strive to show all sides of being autistic, because it truly has some incredible sides. But there is a huge difference between celebrating our strengths and going further to say as a whole it is not disabling to live as an autistic person.
Back to my holiday. I took two weeks off work to finish writing my book. I wrote 30,000 words, took the 1st draft to a 2nd, edited it, completed the final, sent to beta readers and prepped submissions to agents and publishers. Those things would take most months. I didn’t realise until I tweeted about it just what an accomplishment that was. I attribute that productivity to being autistic. I zoned in and gained from my ability to hyperfocus on a topic I was captivated by. I was up early and to bed late and I loved every second of it. A feat many would have struggled to stay motivated on.
I love being autistic. And in an environment fully suited to my needs, maybe it wouldn’t be a disability. But in this society, yes, it is a disability for me. I couldn’t work without reasonable adjustments. And quite honestly, I should be using that disabled toilet, because I need it.
Whether you think autism is or is not a disability. We are all on the same side. Keep it kind guys.
Found this blog helpful? You can support my writing and say thanks by buying me a coffee 🙂