Self-Identification is Valid!

My experience and reasons as to why Self-identification is VALID!

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Note to viewers: This article will require you to watch the video to get a better idea on why self-identification is valid before reading my rant, this isn’t to be an annoyance but to inform readers the problem associated with many people’s perspective from lack of information on this topic, so please just bear with me.

Of course, I can’t force you to watch the video but doing so will assist you in a thorough understanding. I used this video because, the content creator described why self-identification is valid better than I could. That being said, it’s my goal to elaborate on his points further.

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Hello Beautiful Mutuals! Sakura the Kitsune here.

Before I begin writing this article, I want all of you to watch this video I found on YouTube, the title is clickbait but for great reason.

I’ve heard many people online, especially Twitter and Threads degrade individuals who are self-identified with Autism, ADHD, etc. the video I posted explains in detail as to why their views are incoherently wrong and above all, harmful.

The video above mentions some really great points as to why Self-identification is valid, if you’re interested in their perspective, that is coherently backed by science and resources, all of his points are correct!

I have watched and rewatched this video more times than I can count, especially during moments of imposter syndrome, because for those of you who don’t know, I self-identify as Autistic.

My hope in sharing this video is that many misconceptions from people who don’t understand the need to self-identify will watch the video and gain a new perspective and for individuals struggling with imposter syndrome due to their choice to self-identify, maybe this can ease their mind during their struggles on this topic.

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Too many times, I’ve been placed in a myriad of situations to defend myself and others against people who have no initiative, educating on the concept of autism because of how little they comprehend the term.

These so-called “experts” use their ignorance as an excuse to belittle those who are seeking to understand themselves and the world around them.

Many people have told me that I’m taking resources and support from those who are diagnosed with Autism by pretending to be an autistic person.

Wow, the audacity from so many people who aren’t autistic themselves and yet seem to have so much knowledge on the subject.

And believe it or not, it’s not only the neurotypicals making these claims.

I’ve seen for myself, individuals who are autistic, ADHD, or neurodivergent, who sometimes side with people like them, because on some level, this gives them a right to bully those who are even more in the minority, without getting caught in the crossfire.

Both sides are equally Incorrect.

Their argument for this?

“I have children and grandchildren who have autism and need more support than the likes of you, you don’t even look autistic, and your spreading lies to gain an audience.”

Oh, poor unfortunate Karen… how little you know.

First of all, I want to make one thing perfectly clear by answering my own question.

How am I taking resources and support from those who are autistic, and have a diagnosis with autism, exactly?

SPOILER ALERT: I’m not! Because, if I don’t have a diagnosis, then by definition, I’m unable to receive the little bit of support bestowed on individuals with a diagnosis.

All of the resources, books, information I receive are for the majority, free, and if I do happen to pay a fee, I still don’t see how it’s taking support and resources from those who have a legitimate diagnosis.

I’m simply making a desperate attempt to understand myself and navigate a world built for neurotypicals through a neurodivergent lens.

To fully comprehend why many social skills or simple tasks are a lot more challenging for me but not the majority of those who are considered “normal.”

Let’s be honest here, is that really too much to ask?

Furthermore, explain to me again how I’m taking support away from anyone??

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I would like to add that there are people who pretend to be neurodivergent to gain popularity, though not many do this because we are already in the minority, it would be a waste of time, incredibly stupid, and dishonest.

Those of us, myself included actually seeking self-discovery are legitimately rememorizing and uprooting traumatic experiences due to how poorly we’ve been treated either presently or in the past by those who know we are different, and yet we were unaware of that ourselves.

It’s not a topic to take lightly nor is it a publicity stunt, this is something many individuals suffer from, and those who never discover their neurodivergence are more likely to commit suicide because they felt misunderstood, unloved and unworthy of acceptance their entire life, never knowing why!

Many of us don’t view our neurodivergent mind as a trophy to show off, though that’s what many will try and persuade you to believe, in fact more often than not, individuals are burdened by their neurodivergent aspects, that’s been my experience, at least.

Not everyone does of course, but those who struggle with their differences, more often than not, are miserable until that they start accepting their authentic selves, truly, without guilt.

But how can we when it seems like the entire world is built off of the backs of others by authorities who refuse to accept people who aren’t confined to societal norms?

Imagine being diagnosed with a neurodevelopmental “disorder” (I despise this word because society has been led to believe being different means having a disorder… yeah, ok, sure... rolls eyes sarcastically) which either way we’re told not to let our brain decide who we are.

Instead, we should mask our authenticities to make others happy and make them more comfortable to be around us??

I’m sorry for the language, but how about, fuck that!?

Think of the person next to you—they don’t have a diagnosis, but they share many neurodivergent traits, just like someone who does. Deep down, they know who they are, and they’ve looked for a label to help them understand themselves. But here’s the catch: the neurodivergent community doesn’t fully accept them, and the neurotypical crowd sees them as “too odd.” They end up in the middle—too different for the "normies," but not “diagnosed enough” for the neurodivergent group. They’re left feeling like they don’t quite belong anywhere.

And all of the Stigma because that person doesn’t have a legitimate diagnosis from a psychologist, who’s probably a neurotypical, to diagnose you??

Are you starting to see where certain things don’t exactly line up?

How long are we going to exclude people and make them feel unloved, unworthy because of this current ignorant infested (plague) that’s affecting, not themselves, but the entire world?

I fail to see the logic in this process, why do so many people put their trust in psychologists who don’t comprehend the first thing about being Autistic, ADHD, etc. but we’re supposed to trust them to understand our symptoms and traits because they have a degree.

Don’t get me wrong, some people who went to college and studied are indeed intelligent, but what about the lived, first-hand experiences from those who comprehend the struggles daily? Do our opinions not matter?

But that’s the problem, isn’t it? because society as a whole won’t accept people who are different, because we’re seen as the problem.

From a young age, children were spoon-fed ignorance, forcing adolescents to conform to societal norms, and any differences were viewed as disobedience and rebelliousness from suspicious individuals, to condemn and degrade people who aren’t submissive to the words and rules of authority.

I mean, how many times are neurotypicals told, I know there’s something wrong with you, but you can’t possibly have Autism, ADHD, etc. because your capable of completing so many tasks on your own without assistance, or you don’t look like an Autistic, or individual with ADHD?

Answer to this question: 0.

neurotypicals are masters at fitting in, and let’s be real, so are many neurodivergent individuals but there’s a major difference between the two.

This is because when an individual, especially women who mask and conceal their true thoughts, feelings, actions, need to stim, etc. and are affected severely with the aftermath, becoming deeply exhausted-on the verge of meltdowns, overstimulation, burnout, etc.

The point is, I’m really tired of people with superiority complexes, deciding who is and who isn’t allowed into certain communities based on a person’s differences, and it’s even more disappointing knowing some neurodivergent individuals, who know what it’s like to be discriminated against to exclude self-identified individuals, who are seeking even the smallest friendship, validation, acceptance, etc. to gain companionship with anyone not trying to degrade or belittle them.

-Sincerely, Sakura the Kitsune.

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