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How to respond to 'Aren't we all on the spectrum'

Botty

I've had 2 people recently reply to hearing of my diagnosis 'Isn't everyone on the spectrum?'. I've found that quite insulting. No, autistic people will be on a spectrum of traits. Neurotypicals are NOT on the spectrum as far as I am concerened and have no idea of what we deal with.

What do others think? How do you reply to this cliche? 

Parents

  • I remember telling a cousin that I strongly suspected she was on the spectrum, along with various other members of the family on my mother's side. Her response was that everyone can be a bit autistic. I calmly explained that this was a myth. I mean, yes neurotypicals can sometimes exhibit autistic-like traits, but not enough for them to ever be considered autistic from a medical point of view.

    To say that everyone is on the spectrum is much like saying anyone who enjoys housework has OCD.

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  • I remember telling a cousin that I strongly suspected she was on the spectrum, along with various other members of the family on my mother's side. Her response was that everyone can be a bit autistic. I calmly explained that this was a myth. I mean, yes neurotypicals can sometimes exhibit autistic-like traits, but not enough for them to ever be considered autistic from a medical point of view.

    To say that everyone is on the spectrum is much like saying anyone who enjoys housework has OCD.

Children