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do your opinions count less if people knew you're autistic?

qwerty

One of the reasons that I'm scared about telling people about my diagnosis is that I'm afraid they might take me less seriously if we ever have a difference in opinion. I think I often have different views from others, and I would like to be able to express my views and be taken seriously and appreciated. But I'm worried if they know about my diagnosis, the other person might think "oh, you're autistic, you have a cognitive impairment/disability, then it's more likely that I'm right and you're wrong". Has anyone felt that their opinions/viewpoints carried less weight after disclosure? Or has your diagnosis ever been used against you in an argument/debate? Or has things pretty much stayed the same/become better after disclosure?

Parents

  • I have found, at work anyway, my views or opinions will be ignored initially but then when people realise after some time when somebody else suggests the same thing, they then realise that it was me that initially suggested it, and sometimes, whilst they may think its a really 'off the wall' idea or opinion, they usually come to realise I may be right, I have found the more people have gotten to know me the more they listen.

  • in reply to Bookworm

    That's an interesting experience! I haven't disclosed my diagnosis, but I think a lot of people think I'm socially inept. And I've experienced a few times the first part of what you've described: that my opinions will be ignored initially but after a while someone else (who is more socially popular) suggests the same thing, they will gain credit of coming up with the brilliant idea, and no one will remember or care that I suggested it months ago.

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  • in reply to Bookworm

    That's an interesting experience! I haven't disclosed my diagnosis, but I think a lot of people think I'm socially inept. And I've experienced a few times the first part of what you've described: that my opinions will be ignored initially but after a while someone else (who is more socially popular) suggests the same thing, they will gain credit of coming up with the brilliant idea, and no one will remember or care that I suggested it months ago.

Children