When most people think of autism, they think of people who display clear signs of having a disorder. Those are the ones who get sympathy and that most people would not make fun of (the exception being the Donald Trumps of the world aka bullies). However, people who are on the mild end of the spectrum will often just appear to be a person who lacks social skills. These people do not get sympathy, especially if they are male and try to interact with women. These are the guys you will typically hear women complaining about and making fun of. No, it is not just a few "bad apples" who disparage and belittle us, it is the mainstream majority.

I don't know if I am on the spectrum for sure. My previous therapist said it is possble I am on the mild end of the spectrum, but that there is no point in diagnosing it, because she would treat it the same as anyone who has poor social skills.

My question is, why does it make a difference if I am on the spectrum or lack social skills for another reason? Is it that I am not "excused" if I am not on the spectrum? That it is ok to judge me and disparage me, but if I am on the spectrum only THEN I have an excuse? This is something I don't understand. It's not like I choose to have poor social skills either way. It just doesn't come naturally to me. I for one do not believe anyone has a right to judge me or disrespect me regardless of my social skills.