my sepdad said I was not normal

And infuriate them even further... yet I still say ''Thank you'' with a 

Great! I would hate to be normal. Carry on being not normal.

When people tell me I'm not normal, it often causes me to smile because I consider it a compliment.   Admittedly, this can take some effort if it has been said in an aggressive and unpleasant way.

Totally agree, Einstein and Tesla were both neurodivergent and not ‘normal’. Define normal.

Kc,

Whenever someone says you’re not normal all you have to do is remind them they’re not either. I love being different having uncommon strengths as well as uncommon difficulties, it makes me able to do things others can’t do. It’s because of our differences why those of us traditionally defined as disabled are the ones who move the world forward.

Yip 

Said to me a time or two...so what's "normal"?

We are different. It's ok to be different.

Sounds like your stepdad just can't relate to your difference and may need educating.

It’s highly likely that you have been surrounded by majority neurodivergent people, we attract each other even if we don’t know we are neurodivergent (thanks to our neuroscope or autdar!)  What are your hobbies?

I do sometimes wonder if I actually know any NTs! Maybe a few at church. But mostly in my hobbies or uni there are a fair few NDs.

It’s a great attitude. Seems like you have been surrounded by lots of positive and supportive people including your neurokin.

Thanks, it's how I've always lived, long before I had any inkling I was autistic. I have been blessed to find many people who agree with that, those are my kinds of people!

I have been described as not normal my entire life.

My real dad repeatedly said that I was a shame on the family, an embarrassment to him and he  often pretended that I didn't even exist.

I love your comment, it’s great!

I am sorry your stepdad said this to you, that must have been really upsetting. There is no such thing as ‘normal.’ ‘Normal’ is a social construct.

Difference is beautiful and should be celebrated, the world would be boring if all humans were the same.

You are perfectly autistic!

Normal is boring - who wants to be normal anyway! Take it as a compliment that you stand out from the herd!

Well yes 

Don’t read too much into it, my parents often said things like that and “ you don’t play like ‘normal’ children.” Turns out that I am not what they thought is ‘the norm’  

Different people have different realities.

How does one define 'normal'?

Did your stepdad provide you with an explanation as to why he thinks you're not 'normal'? My advice would be to try not to dwell too much on what he said.