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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

  • Perhaps if you defined your term "species dysphoria" in a little more detail...

  • in reply to Damojo

    Hi damo, Species dysphoria is a condition in which a person feels that their body is of the wrong species.

  • in reply to Lotus
    Apologies for the delay in responding—thank you for your patience. I’ve been reflecting on this deeply, and I appreciate the space to clarify.
    For me, species dysphoria—at least as I experience or imagine it—isn’t about feeling like my body is wrong. It’s more about the disconnect between how others perceive my body and how I experience my internal nature.
    In a world shaped by neurotypical norms, I often feel like I’m being interpreted through a lens that doesn’t fit. For example, homo sapiens—as a species—has historically outcompeted others, and that legacy can shape how people instinctively relate to one another:
    • “This is another human, so I must compete.”
    • “This person is passive, so they must be subordinate.”
    But internally, I’m not competitive. I’m a people-pleaser. I seek harmony. And when I express disagreement, it often surprises people—because they’ve already placed me in a “subordinate” category based on how I present or behave.
    So for me, species dysphoria isn’t about wanting to change my body. That path could be dangerous or dysregulating. It’s more about wanting to cosplay—to wear a symbolic identity that helps me feel safer, more aligned, and more understood. Like how wearing sunglasses can create a sense of distance or protection in social spaces.
    I don’t expect others to feel the same way. But it’s comforting to know there are people who understand this experience—who see the nuance, and who don’t require me to fit into a predefined category just to be heard.
Reply
  • in reply to Lotus
    Apologies for the delay in responding—thank you for your patience. I’ve been reflecting on this deeply, and I appreciate the space to clarify.
    For me, species dysphoria—at least as I experience or imagine it—isn’t about feeling like my body is wrong. It’s more about the disconnect between how others perceive my body and how I experience my internal nature.
    In a world shaped by neurotypical norms, I often feel like I’m being interpreted through a lens that doesn’t fit. For example, homo sapiens—as a species—has historically outcompeted others, and that legacy can shape how people instinctively relate to one another:
    • “This is another human, so I must compete.”
    • “This person is passive, so they must be subordinate.”
    But internally, I’m not competitive. I’m a people-pleaser. I seek harmony. And when I express disagreement, it often surprises people—because they’ve already placed me in a “subordinate” category based on how I present or behave.
    So for me, species dysphoria isn’t about wanting to change my body. That path could be dangerous or dysregulating. It’s more about wanting to cosplay—to wear a symbolic identity that helps me feel safer, more aligned, and more understood. Like how wearing sunglasses can create a sense of distance or protection in social spaces.
    I don’t expect others to feel the same way. But it’s comforting to know there are people who understand this experience—who see the nuance, and who don’t require me to fit into a predefined category just to be heard.
Children
  • in reply to Packet
    Packet said:
    In a world shaped by neurotypical norms, I often feel like I’m being interpreted through a lens that doesn’t fit. For example, homo sapiens—as a species—has historically outcompeted others, and that legacy can shape how people instinctively relate to one another:
    • “This is another human, so I must compete.”
    • “This person is passive, so they must be subordinate.”

    Have you worked through any of this with a therapist?

    I had similar questions which I talked to my therapist about and she helped me with the interpritation of how other people are seeing me and how I am misinterpriting their responses.

    This sort of discussion can be very illuminating if understanding the dynamics and "rules" is important to you..

    Packet said:
    internally, I’m not competitive. I’m a people-pleaser.

    These are good subjects to explore with a therapist too. For me I spent decades working in a support role and it was only when exploring why I stayed in a job that was very high stress (to my autistic traits) that it made sense - I was seeking validation through being useful to others and seeking praise.

    Have you considered your reasons for seeking validation in others? It opens up a lot of internal knowledge when you dig deep.

    Through the process of coming to really know yourself I would expect this to bring you to a more concrete conclusion on your self identity and stop you feeling so alien to the species that you were born into.

    These are just my thoughts on the subject - feel free to ignore.

  • in reply to Packet
    Packet said:
    It’s more about wanting to cosplay—to wear a symbolic identity that helps me feel safer, more aligned, and more understood.

    So, rather than put on a mask to fit in, you want to put on a mask to stand out and declare: I'm different, do not try to understand me as you do other humans. Is that it?