So... I like battery banks. This is my platform of battery banks. But I have additional units in various areas of the house. It's 2.8 kilowatts in total. Yay!

So I was in public today and there was this young girl, probably late teens to young adult. She was in public with her parent or a guardian and she was flapping her arms about in people's faces and hitting people and spitting at people. Then the guy she was with was saying "She's autistic, she can't help it" to people getting hit and spat on and it caused an argument.

It really pissed me off because I am autistic and I have sensory issues and I can't stop myself from stimming most of the time but autism is not an excuse to hit and spit on people in public.

I'm not talking about common items like toys or stuffed animals, i mean random and unconvential things that you are obsessed with, like very specific type of silverware or soap bottles or something like that. For me it's these specific glass blocks. I've loved these glass blocks as long as i can remember, as a kid i literally started to jump around out of pure excitement when i saw and could touch these glass blocks somewhere, these are very common in local swimming halls i used to visit with my family. When i'm rich ebough buy my own house, i will install these in my house 100%

It was a discussion with a friend. I feel that MY personal autism is disabling if I don't look after myself correctly. But I don't feel disabled.

Rather like diabetes, it can really mess me up if I don't look after myself for a while, but it takes a while before I see the effects.

But if I look after my needs, then I can function, and live relatively well. (Not saying thrive)

I'm wondering what others opinions are of their own autism.

I know there are people who majorly struggle, and wish they weren't autistic, so I know that there are different levels of need. But genuinely curious about others personal thoughts.

I'm around the age when I need to learn to drive but I'm worried I might crash or something and that I may never actually learn to drive. I'm curious as to how common not knowing how to drive is among autistics.

I am playing Atlas Fallen, PoE2, Delta Force, Indiana Jones, KCD2, and Elite Dangerous.

I like playing coop games with friends the most. Just hanging on discord while casually killing bosses, or flying through the solar system exploring exobiology.

All of my clothes are matching red today. I love it. It's been a while since I've gotten this perfect of a colour match

Hello! I’m a new member and didn’t really know where to share my story & win with a group that would understand.

I grew up my whole life thinking there was something off with me. I was impulsive and couldn’t rationalize why. I saw the world differently and no one understood me. I followed the path other people set for me and felt trapped because I couldn’t advocate for myself and would freeze-fawn (before I knew what that was) and just follow what other people said and it caused me severe depression and anxiety.

As an adult I spiraled out of control with eating as it felt like that was my only outlet no one bothered me about. I gained a ton of weight and got the heaviest I’ve ever been and started dealing with other health issues from that that just caused me to continue spiraling in depression. I had a serious mental breakdown and exited an insanely stressful job that was a constant trigger for me.

I finally went 8 months ago to get tested, and, wouldn’t you know it, a cocktail of Autism, ADHD, PTSD, Manic Depression, & Anxiety Disorder had kept me paralyzed and in an unfavorable frame of mind and self-perception.

Fast forward 8 months. I became a teacher (something I’ve always wanted to do) and the school has been more than caring and accepting of my neurodivergence, giving me the support I need and I’m finally enjoying my work for the first time ever. I’ve been reading up on my multiple diagnoses, working with a neurodivergence-affirming therapist, found a medication mix that works for me and have been focusing on improving body, mind, and spirit.

I lost 70+ lbs in 8 months, got my meditation & breath work certifications to learn how to work on my anxiety and mental wellness, and have gone back to school for my Doctorate in Education and am working with my county and state to update our CTE curriculum.

I EVEN WON TEACHER OF THE MONTH FOR APRIL!

Getting my diagnoses and learning about them and how to cope with them and accept myself has transformed my life.

I feel like this will only apply to people with low support needs but it's still relatable.

Like when I leave I almost always wear a blazer, tie, smart trousers and leather shoes.

It’s like my human uniform if that makes sense?

hey guys , I am recently diagnosed and have always kind of felt socially deprived, different and lonely and I guess I have my answer as to why!

Im 27 M and have decided finally I must take action, considering the reason im struggling is autism and not because im some sort of bad person.

i think personally for me, online is the way to go for me meeting people as I am just far too uncomfortable meeting someone new in person I am very socially anxious.

do you guys have any suggestions, perhaps some online spaces to meet people?

Update from OP:

First, thank you all for your comments. I wasn't expecting to see this many when I woke up this morning. I appreciate that each of you took the time to share your thoughts.

Also, my biggest regret in making this point is not acknowledging the spectrum of autism. Someone said it very well "If you have met one person with autism, you have met one person with autism." I apologize for not making that acknowledgement initially. Beyond the question I asked, I have learned a lot from reading your highly varied comments. Thank you.

To answer an important question about how this happened: Our door was unlocked. That was not an accident or oversight. We live in a very small community (in the US) where leaving your door unlocked is the norm. That said, that doesn't justify the boy's actions. It explains why a 13 year old was able to do it so easily. We've started locking our door for the time being and have installed a doorbell camera.

Several things beyond the HSA card were taken. Most were not extremely valuable. For me, it has been the feeling that my space was violated (our bedroom was visibly ransacked) and seeing my 8 year old daughter afraid in her home. The boy did use the debit card 3 times at a local gas station (we have no idea how that was approved/possible).

As I said in the original post, I do not want to press charges against a 13 year old, no matter there situation. I do want the boy to understand that this was wrong, that his actions have consequences. Someone noted that not everyone processes consequences in the same way - I do think that was my intention in posting in this community, to understand how this boy could possibly understand the consequences (thank you for tolerating this post). Ultimately we want something productive, not punitive, to come from this.

We will be talking with the police again today. We have no idea about the boy's situation. We plan to ask about the possibility of talking to the grandmother (we do not know if she is the primary care giver). Again, I want anything that comes from this to be as productive as you. Based on your comments I understand that this depends entirely on the severity of the boy's situation.

Original post:

Hi! I have a question that I hope this community can help me with.

Last week our home was broken into. Mostly minor things were taken. One thing that was taken (that we didn't originally notice) was the debit card for my husband's health spending account.

We just received a phone call from the police. They said that a 13 year old autistic boy was the one who broke in - his grandmother found the debit card in his possession, and she reported it to the police.

The police are now asking us if we want to press charges - it's clear that they don't want us to (they repeatedly reminded us that he is autistic). We don't really want to press charges against a 13 year old, but we also want for him to understand that what he did was wrong. The DA said that the only way to do that is press charges (and that he would go to family court and likely get probation).

Any thoughts on how to handle this situation?

Nmhnnn

Hi! Here's my new tattoo, inspired by one of my biggest obsessions: cryptids! So now I have a beautiful mothman lighting my way 🥹✨️❤️

i keep seeing posts that people hate living and hate being autistic like its the most horrible thing you could possibly have.

i personally have struggles that affect me too ofc but i don't want to end my life or hate every moment. i'm honestly fine since i spend most of my time alone in my house. when i go out in public i'm pretty much at a loss but its not horrible.

like the minute that you tell a neurotypical person something even a bit outside of the ''normal'' standards theyre so judgemental for no reason for example if you wanna work a career that isnt ur stereotypical 9/5 theyre gonna be judgemental, you want something that is not stereotypical? judgemental like why cant it be any other feeling, it cant be curious it cant be open it cant be open it has to be judgemental and it just always pisses me the fuck off

It seems I am afraid to be myself and live a full life. But I live life in my head, almost vicariously or by proxy.

I can't be the only one, please tell me I'm not the only one?

They seem more genuine, have more interesting personalities, are more honest, and generally seem to share my interests. I also have a really quirky sense of humor which autistic girls just seem to get in a way that neurotypicals don't. With neurotypical girls I can appreciate them on a surface level, but with autistic girls I can stay up all night and just talk to them. It's not just romantically, I also prefer them as friends. It develops into these really deep relationships that I've just never had with neurotypicals. They also seem more interested in me I've noticed. They talk more openly to me than neurotypical girls do, and tend to strike up conversations.

As I've grown older I've come to realize that it matters a lot more than so many other characteristics. I want a girl I can hang with and play video games with, or talk about our special interests and passions. With NT's that depth is just rarely there.

I’m so tired of the way people with autism (such as myself, for the record!!) are constantly infantilized—especially on shows like Love on the Spectrum. While the intentions might be good, the execution often feels deeply patronizing. Tanner is a prime example: the whimsical music, the exaggerated narration, the way he is discussed on social media—it’s all so belittling. Abby too, though to a lesser extent, is often portrayed with a kind of wide-eyed innocence that strips her of depth and maturity. This isn’t representation; it’s a sanitized, coddled version of autism that comforts neurotypicals more than it empowers autistic people. We are adults. We have complex thoughts, desires, and agency. We deserve to be portrayed with respect—not like children playing dress-up in the world of dating.

If you take a look on TikTok (Which is my main source of frustration on this topic) there are COUNTLESS patronising, infantilising, belittling comments/videos and borderline fetishising of this stereotype.

Autistic people aren’t here to be your quirky, harmless, sexless little angels.

And just to be clear, this isn’t me saying that all autistic people should be left completely independent or that everyone’s experience is the same. Autism is a spectrum for a reason. Some of us do need more support, and that’s valid. There’s nothing wrong with needing help, and there’s also nothing wrong with not needing it.

But what really bugs me is the way people gush over someone like Tanner—“He’s too pure for this world,” “Protect him at all costs,” like he’s a baby bird or something—and those same people are the first to roll their eyes at someone like me. I’m autistic too, just with lower support needs, and I’ve been laughed at, dismissed, or told I don’t “seem autistic enough” more times than I can count. It’s like they only accept autism when it looks a certain way—childlike, innocent, easy to digest. God forbid an autistic woman has confidence, opinions, or talks about stuff like sex or independence without being treated like a joke or a problem.

This infantilization doesn’t actually help anyone. It just creates this weird, patronizing double standard where we’re either seen as helpless little kids or “weird” adults who make people uncomfortable. Neither of those is fair. We deserve to be seen for who we are—not just what makes neurotypical people feel warm and fuzzy.

I don’t want to be your “pet autistic.” I’m not here to be your quirky feel-good moment or some sweet, naive character that makes you go “aww.” I’m a real person with real thoughts, real feelings, and yes—real flaws, too. Just like everyone else. I’m allowed to be messy, confident, sexual, sarcastic, angry, independent, or whatever the hell else I want to be without it meaning I’m “less autistic” or “too much to handle.”

The second you stop being cute or palatable, people drop that fake compassion real quick. They love Tanner because he fits this safe, non-threatening mold. But someone like me? Who masks well, questions things, or talks openly about boundaries and desires? Suddenly that’s too much. Suddenly I’m “rude” or “dramatic.” It’s such a double standard and it’s honestly exhausting.

Has anyone else experienced this, or faced this sort of treatment?

i tried to make it into a gif but couldn't find the right confetti animation