Ok I had an epiphany I felt like sharing. I think I've figured out why the "You must be high-functioning!" response pisses me off when I tell someone I'm autistic.
It's because they always mean it as a compliment. "Oh, you're high-functioning, you're not like those BAD autistics who don't/can't/won't mask! You're one of the good ones!"
No, I'm not better than anyone else. I don't have more value than an autistic person who appears more autistic than I do. Stop it.
But the stereotypes are strong. I wondered, occasionally, about being autistic, but dismissed the idea because I work full time, in a highly technical field. Autistic people don't do that on TV.
But I've realized that I sought out a field that plays to my particular strengths, while downplaying my weaknesses.
@ScottSoCal @dramypsyd I sometimes really regret leaving a job that fit very well with my ASD powered skillset (foreign languages, logistical planning) for my current field. It was a for a travel insurance assistance company where I was responsible for the logistical side of medical evacuations at the direction of medical staff...evacs worldwide 🌎 in a 24/7 call center environment. I actively used my German & Spanish skills and sometimes Russian. It didn't pay super great but it was work I absolutely loved & it was exciting. Also felt great to make a real difference saving lives. I miss it.
@ScottSoCal Many autistic people can't work, or can only work part-time, that's true (and valid! Your worth isn't determined by your capitalism output!), and also those of us who do work get overlooked. My special interest is mental health, and that field just happened to be hiring.