‘You’ve got autism because you like order and you do not look into my eyes’: some reflections on understanding the label of ‘autism spectrum disorder’ from a dishuman perspective

Figures & data

Table 1. Examples and interpretations associated with the author’s experiences of being labelled with ‘autism spectrum disorders’.

Typical characteristics associated with autism spectrum disorder which people have applied to the author	The author’s response to the characteristics
Social communication
– Facial expressions	– I can’t read face expressions, but neither can you
– Tone of voice	– I don’t like people shouting at me, do you?
– Jokes and sarcasm	– Maybe you are not funny. Sarcasm is rude
– Vagueness	– I wouldn’t have a PhD if I was vague
– Abstract concepts	– Give me a chance to think
– Eye gazing	– I’m busy, I haven’t got time to talk
Social interaction
– Appear to be insensitive	– Coming from the same person who said I was autistic?
– Seek out time alone when overloaded by other people	– Should I start worshipping God in a quiet church for some peace and quiet?
– Not seek comfort from other people	– I find comfort in solving problems for myself
– Appear to behave ‘strangely’ or in a way thought to be socially inappropriate	– David Bowie and Prince Phillip spring to mind
Repetitive behaviours and routines
– Daily routine	– I lead 11 modules at university, and I have a hand in different research projects, routine is needed
– Rules	– No rules, no sense of purpose
– Difficulties with change	– I’m a community psychologist; making a difference, making changes, is my job
Highly focused interests
– Intense interests	– I read journal articles a lot to do my job
– Unusual interests	– I like reading about the monarchy, but I’m a republican
Sensory sensitivity
– Over–sensitive	– I care
– Under–sensitive	– I don’t care
– Unbearable sounds	– People who talk with their mouth full of food – does anyone like that?