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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)
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  • Packet said:
    a speculative or philosophical idea involving a mismatch between one’s identity and being human

    I suppose it depends on what one views as "being human".

    There have been over 100 documented cases of children being raised by wild animals such as monkeys, chimps or wolves. When they were discovered they had no language and did not behave in the same way as a child who had been brought up in human society. So perhaps for people who feel more affinity with animals, it's a rejection of human society, or a feeling that they don't belong in it?

    Some autistic people have reported feeling like an alien, or that they are a different species to neurotypical humans. I always felt the opposite - that I was "human" and many other people I had met were "aliens", or maybe robots because they didn't seem to share my sensitivities.

    I haven't experienced species dysphoria myself - I don't actually identify with any species, I'm just me - so these are just my random thoughts on it.

  • in reply to Lotus
    Hi Lotus,
    This is a great point, and I really appreciate you raising it.
    Personally, I often wish I didn’t have to be classified as any species at all. But I’ve come to feel that the neurotypical world we live in seems to rely on classification and pigeonholing—not out of malice, but as a way to maintain mental clarity and understanding. I don’t think my brain works that way. I tend to process all information without shortcuts, which can be exhausting but also deeply nuanced.
    For neurotypical people, I think classification acts like a cognitive prompt:
    • “I’m looking at an animal, so I’ll treat it like a pet.”
    • “I’m looking at another human, so I’ll treat them as competition.”
      These mental shortcuts help them respond quickly, but they can also limit the depth of interaction.
    So while I may not personally identify with any species, I feel I still need to choose one—if only to communicate my needs to the outside world in a way that they can understand. It’s not about conforming, but about translating.
    There’s no expectation for anyone else to follow this path.
    It’s just comforting to know there are people who understand what I’m going through.
Reply
  • in reply to Lotus
    Hi Lotus,
    This is a great point, and I really appreciate you raising it.
    Personally, I often wish I didn’t have to be classified as any species at all. But I’ve come to feel that the neurotypical world we live in seems to rely on classification and pigeonholing—not out of malice, but as a way to maintain mental clarity and understanding. I don’t think my brain works that way. I tend to process all information without shortcuts, which can be exhausting but also deeply nuanced.
    For neurotypical people, I think classification acts like a cognitive prompt:
    • “I’m looking at an animal, so I’ll treat it like a pet.”
    • “I’m looking at another human, so I’ll treat them as competition.”
      These mental shortcuts help them respond quickly, but they can also limit the depth of interaction.
    So while I may not personally identify with any species, I feel I still need to choose one—if only to communicate my needs to the outside world in a way that they can understand. It’s not about conforming, but about translating.
    There’s no expectation for anyone else to follow this path.
    It’s just comforting to know there are people who understand what I’m going through.
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