Are we disabled?

Hibernating said:

It would be good if autistic people with high support needs were able to answer this.

I agree. 

Hibernating said:

I would hate to be so arrogant as to assume that because there are certain things I can do in life, others with autism aren't disabled or more disabled by it.

Are you saying overall you are not disabled? Because others with higher support needs may disagree you dont have a set position?  

Yes anxiety is quite disabling. 

T said:

when my future self is still autistic but not squashed under anxiety anymore

Best wishes.

Personally, I would consider myself to have a disability. I guess right now I am disabled from autism and anxiety, but I hope to get better... so I'll potentially go from being disabled to having a disability but not being disabled when my future self is still autistic but not squashed under anxiety anymore. 

Thanks for sharing that video - it was interesting. I've never felt I was disabled, but I think that's because it makes me feel vulnerable. I just think in terms of we all have different needs and I have communicated my needs to my employers, who have accommodated them. I can sometimes have issues with public transport, but I know that's not a problem with me - the problem is that there are too many people wanting to get on the same bus.

It would be good if autistic people with high support needs were able to answer this.

I wonder what percentage those of us on the forum are of the whole autistic community, answering on their behalf without being in their shoes? 

I would hate to be so arrogant as to assume that because there are certain things I can do in life, others with autism aren't disabled or more disabled by it.

In the meantime this might be of interest:'

https://community.autism.org.uk/f/adults-on-the-autistic-spectrum/34697/can-we-please-stope-saying-that-autism-is-not-an-disability-this-is-not-helping/334858#334858

That is true.

But I think that we could be considered disabled as well.

Being restricted in certain aspects of life ex socialising. It doesnt really matter what the cause of the limitation is because it still exists. Yes there is a communication difference and neither form of communication is wrong or bad, but that communication difference creates a greater interference with such things as a career. Limiting activities and opportunities.

His example of glasses being a disability I thought was good because glasses are an accomadation to help with the limitations of poor vision. A disability. People dont consider needing glasses as a disability because of how common it is. Its also not seen as negative. 

I think any hesitation with identifying with a disability is due to the negative stigmas associated with the term. 

Unless you dont see a single disadvantage with your autism? Even if its due to the way society is set up the limitations are still there.

From the video:

“The Americans with disability act protects people whose disability substantially limits one or more major life activities”: Autism has massively limited my ability to access what most people regard as a human right - social connection, friendships, love, family. Sounds like disability to me.

Also from the video: “Denying our reality is an ableist form of toxic positivity”

No, just neurodivergent!