Published on 12, July, 2020
Neurosplaining...By analogy with 'mansplaining', I guess; the act of telling a neurodivergent person how they experience their neurodivergence.
A new word for my vocabulary today, but wondered whether anyone else had heard it before.
I can't claim any credit for inventing this new lexical item here, but I like it and yes it does nicely sum up some rubbish we hear from others (sadly, often professionals as frequently as friends and family). I just came across it in a post on LinkedIn from a psychologist and neuroinclusion specialist. It's made my day. So, I thought I'd share.
My doctor neurosplains me every time he tells me I "suffer with autism". Or tells me he regrets that "he cannot cure my autism".
Has anyone neurosplained you recently?
So far I've had people say I don't look autistic and am I dangerous. I always feel judged around people.
Dangerous? Oh wow! That really is the hight of hurtful and ignorant.
I know that took me by surprise, very hurtful to hear. I've since bought an autism card that states I'm not dangerous and need time to process things. Please be patient.
I thought it would be a sound thing to buy just in case.
i think sometimes it is even better to not mention autism but just address each challenge individually- eg say ‘I am sensitive to noise and lights’ . I find environments with many people overwhelming etc. It is sad but so many people see a negative connotation with autism and don’t understand what it means. But they are much more understanding when you point out specific challenges… it shouldn’t be like that though