Who are you?

I’m neurodivergent and I want you to think more about your behavior. Being neurodivergent means my brain works differently than most people’s, and because of this, I have faced many challenges that others might not try to understand. I have been the target of hurtful workplace gossip. People have spread rumors and fearmongered about me because I do not act like everyone else. I have also been the victim of planned and coordinated acts of physical and political violence. I was fired from at least one job because of my neurodivergence (there are witnesses and documentation to support this). These experiences demonstrate how quickly people misjudge and expend effort those who are different or find intimidating to their sense of self. Many say that I do not pick up on social cues. The truth is, I see and understand what is happening around me. I choose not to follow the automatic behaviors that many adopt simply to fit in, often without thinking. This kind of blind conformity can lead to unfair treatment and harmful group behavior. I believe humans can and should talk openly and honestly about our thoughts and feelings instead of relying on unspoken, unaccountable rules. When people follow group behavior without reflection, it often leads to exclusion and discrimination, especially against those who differ from the norm. I urge those who consider themselves “normal” to reflect on how their automatic, thoughtless actions might be harmful. I call on those who have participated in harmful behaviors against me and others like me to step up and work to make things right while there is still time. I also call on those aware of who have harmed me and others like me to step up and exercise kindness by help others see their errors and make things right.