How to Be Openly Autistic

1. 1
   Prepare a few scripts to explain your autism . Autism is a highly stigmatized disability, so be prepared to bust myths and inaccuracies as well as explaining the details. Scripting and practicing your responses can make it easier.

   • "Autism is a common but misunderstood social and developmental disability. I have difficulty understanding people sometimes, sensitive ears, and unusual body language. On the bright side, I'm really good at code."
   • "Being autistic comes with good, bad, and neutral parts. My body language is a little different, and I'll be really good at some things and need extra help with others."
   • "There are a lot of myths about autism."
   • "Hollywood stereotypes autism as much as it stereotypes jocks and nerds. Autism Speaks isn't known for being truthful either. There's a lot of misinformation, so a good deal of the things you may have heard about autism might be false."
2. 2
   Use a friendly and matter-of-fact tone when speaking about autism. You can help set the tone of how others view your autism. If you sound confident and okay with it, then they will probably feel okay with it too.

   • Use open body language: look at them, wear a friendly expression, and use a tone similar to if you were explaining that you have an awesome brother or a degree in engineering.
3. 3
   Don't hide your autistic traits in public. If you want to stim, then stim . If you speak with a disability accent sometimes, don't let it stop you from talking. Let yourself be yourself. There is nothing wrong with being disabled in public.

   • Use the body language that is comfortable to you. You don't have to sit perfectly still or make eye contact if it feels unnatural to you.
   • Obviously, not all stims are suitable in public. Don't use stims that invade someone's personal space (e.g. playing with their hair without permission), and choose non-distracting stims when people are focusing.
4. 4
   Explain your differences instead of hiding them. Some people aren't used to autistic body language —so fix this by giving a quick explanation.

   • "Eye contact feels uncomfortable and distracting to me. I usually look at people's mouths or shirts so I can focus."
   • "My listening body language looks a little different from others'. If I'm looking around, fidgeting, or wiggling in my chair, that's just how I pay attention."
   • "I'm autistic, and flapping my hands is one of the ways I express happiness."
5. 5
   Try wearing shirts or outfits with an autism-related message. This is an easy way to tell the world that you are autistic and you don't care who knows it. You might choose a shirt with a message about autism or neurodiversity, or a logo of an organization you like. Rainbow jewelry is also an option.

   • The neurodiversity symbol (a rainbow infinity sign), ^[4] red for #RedInstead (formerly #WalkInRed), ^[5] and rainbows in general are examples of things to wear.
   • The puzzle piece ^[6] and "light it up blue" ^[7] have derogatory connotations, because they are associated with Autism Speaks and messages of fear and pity. ^{[8] [9] [10]}
   • If part of the sale is being donated, make sure that the charity is helpful and not harmful. Some charities increase stigma instead of fighting it.
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Being autistic in public can be difficult. Sometimes your symptoms will pose challenges, and sometimes people aren't nice. Take good care of yourself.

1. 1
   Accept differences in yourself and others. Trying to fit in will only make you feel more alone. Let yourself be unique, and celebrate what makes others unique too.
2. 2
   Look after your health. Staying healthy is important for everyone, and it is especially important for autistic people, who are at higher risk for stress and anxiety. If your body is healthy, you will feel less stressed. Eat fruits and vegetables, take vitamins, sleep for at least 8 hours, and find ways to get exercise.

   • Exercise can include taking a walk with a friend, biking, rollerblading, stimming, swinging, hiking, and playing with kids. Exercise can be fun!
   • When eating, try to fill at least 1/3 of your plate with fruits and vegetables.
3. 3
   Give yourself plenty of time to relax and recharge. Life can be stressful for autistic people (and in general!), so it's important to look after your emotional health. Spend time with loved ones and/or your special interest each day.
4. 4
   Remember that you are valuable. People with disabilities have skills and love to share with the world. You are lovable and unique, and you have strengths that matter.

   • Think about a disabled friend. Would you talk to them the way you talk to yourself? Treat yourself like a friend, and don't tell yourself things that you wouldn't say to a friend.
   • Think about your strengths. What are you good at? How do you help others? Think about strengths related to autism (pattern recognition, focus, special interests) and strengths unique to you.
   • Volunteer. Visit a soup kitchen, work at an autism acceptance event, or edit articles about autism or your special interest on wikiHow. Knowing that you help others can help you feel better about yourself.
   • Talk to someone. If you feel sad about yourself, tell a loved one, a doctor, or a therapist. Talking can help you feel better, and if you have an illness like depression, it is the first step to recovery.
5. 5
   Make autistic friends. Look for autism social clubs, advocacy groups, or online spaces. Autistic friends can help you remember that it's okay to be yourself, share tips, and offer support.
6. 6
   Surround yourself with accepting and supportive people. Focus on the positive relationships in your life: loving family members, great friends, encouraging mentors, and fellow autistic people. Don't waste time on people who bring you down. Reach out to the people who make you happy.
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