a matter of nature

There’s one phrase I really can’t stand: “normal people do this.” I’ve heard it way too many times. And every time, it came with a different reason that I never fully understood.

Different doesn’t mean abnormal. At least not in my book. For me, it’s normal to keep words and social interactions to a minimum, to focus on deeper conversations rather than small talk. Or to have special interests I could happily talk about for hours.

I am NORMALLY and NATURALLY neurodivergent, just like a neurotypical person is NORMALLY and NATURALLY neurotypical. Both kinds of normal are… well, normal!

And there’s another phrase I can’t stand: “we’re all a little autistic.” No, we’re not. Neurodivergence is simply a different way of the brain working. It’s not abnormal or unnatural. Generalizations are harmful, and we need to let them go.

If you want to interact with me, just do it naturally. And at the same time, accept my natural response, which might be very different from what you think of as “normal.” If I ask you why you made a certain choice, know that I’m not judging you. I’m just trying to understand.

daysof.it

A personal journal about neurodivergence,
music, and the courage to be understood.