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Exploring Identity and Neurodiversity

Packet
Hi everyone,

I’d like to open a careful and respectful discussion around a concept I’ve come across called “species dysphoria.” 
It’s not a recognized medical or psychological diagnosis, but rather a speculative or philosophical idea involving a mismatch between one’s identity and being human.
I want to be very clear:
  • This is not being presented as a clinical condition.
  • I’m sharing it as a thought experiment to explore how identity, neurodiversity, and self-perception intersect.
  • I recognize that autistic individuals may engage deeply with abstract or niche ideas, and I want to ensure this conversation remains grounded, safe, and open to critical thinking.
If this topic feels uncomfortable or confusing, please feel free to skip it.
And if you do choose to engage, I’d love to hear your thoughts—whether skeptical, curious, or critical.
Let’s keep it thoughtful and kind. 
Regards,
Packet(a96ddb is my color)
Parents
  • Packet said:
    I’m sharing it as a thought experiment to explore how identity, neurodiversity, and self-perception intersect.

    It would be useful to know the parameters of the experiment if it is to have any meaningful analysis.

    There is some explanation of how these shoud work here:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thought_experiment

    It is often an experiment that would be hard, impossible, or unethical to actually perform

    I imagine it will be hard to conduct as there are few controls around the experiment and the output from people is quite untestable.

    A few factors to help clean up the parameters:

    1 - Can it just be a species we identify as or can it be another "thing" such as an artificial intelligence, a robot, a god etc.

    2 - Are we constricted to existing species? How about extinct ones (I had a nepher who identified as a dinosaur for a while)?

    3 - Do the species have to be real? How about elves, dwarves, sprites etc? Aliens could fall into this category as we cannot prove they exist yet.

    4 - can we be a hybrid? a werewolf (or werehamster), cyborg, shapeshifter etc?

    5 - does it need to be all the time? I have some friends who love to identify as something else at plushy parties so if being a dog for a few hours counts then this broadens the scope.

    Packet said:
    If this topic feels uncomfortable or confusing

    This is to help clear up the confusion as autists often struggle with vague definitions.

    An interesting topic and it could be enlightening to see the responses.

Reply
  • Packet said:
    I’m sharing it as a thought experiment to explore how identity, neurodiversity, and self-perception intersect.

    It would be useful to know the parameters of the experiment if it is to have any meaningful analysis.

    There is some explanation of how these shoud work here:

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thought_experiment

    It is often an experiment that would be hard, impossible, or unethical to actually perform

    I imagine it will be hard to conduct as there are few controls around the experiment and the output from people is quite untestable.

    A few factors to help clean up the parameters:

    1 - Can it just be a species we identify as or can it be another "thing" such as an artificial intelligence, a robot, a god etc.

    2 - Are we constricted to existing species? How about extinct ones (I had a nepher who identified as a dinosaur for a while)?

    3 - Do the species have to be real? How about elves, dwarves, sprites etc? Aliens could fall into this category as we cannot prove they exist yet.

    4 - can we be a hybrid? a werewolf (or werehamster), cyborg, shapeshifter etc?

    5 - does it need to be all the time? I have some friends who love to identify as something else at plushy parties so if being a dog for a few hours counts then this broadens the scope.

    Packet said:
    If this topic feels uncomfortable or confusing

    This is to help clear up the confusion as autists often struggle with vague definitions.

    An interesting topic and it could be enlightening to see the responses.

Children
  • in reply to Iain
    Hello, and thank you for your many detailed responses. I’ve chosen this one to focus on, as it aligns most closely with my original thought process and I’d like to clarify a few points.
    Initially, I was approaching the concept of species dysphoria as a sense of disconnect from one’s assigned species at birth.
    This doesn’t necessarily mean one has identified a preferred species, and that identity may not be fixed over time.
    In my case, I’m narrowing the scope to existing species—those that are within the realm of biological or synthetic possibility. To better define the parameters I’m considering:
    1. Conceivable Existence: The species should be one that could plausibly exist, acknowledging that our current scientific understanding may be incomplete.
    2. Extinct Species: With advancements in genetic engineering, it may become feasible to identify with extinct species, provided sufficient DNA samples are available.
    3. Cognitive Compatibility: The species should be capable of hosting human-like intellect, even if it doesn’t currently exist. This could be a future aspiration.
    4. Hybrids: Hybrid species are a valid consideration within this framework.
    5. Species Fluidity: Identification may not be constant—some individuals might experience fluidity in their species identity over time.
  • in reply to Iain

    Thanks Iain. That’s useful to know.