Autistic Hedgehog

[Living in my own little world

Because it’s so much better than yours]

I think most of us have heard this at least once, that autistics live in our “own little worlds.” And I’m pretty sure other autistics on tumblr have already gone over the problems with it.

But I couldn’t resist. Every time I see someone says autistics live in their own little worlds, this is what I think in response. I dunno, I guess my time outside of my “world” has turned me into one hell of a smartass. Whoops. 

[The next time you try to hug me without permission

I may decided to punch you in the face without permission]

Mod note: Anon creation.

Also, this should really be a warning to everybody. Don’t hug people without permission. Don't touch people without permission. No one is entitled to access to someone else’s body, period. 

[If you get to smile

I get to flap]

Mod note: Anonymous creation. 

And yeah, allistics have a tendency to be very caught up in the “right” way to express emotions. Some people laugh or smile when they’re happy. Some people flap or sway. There’s nothing wrong with any of those.

(Er…or is swaying just a me thing? I don’t think I’ve ever seen another autistic person who sways when they feel good. Anyone?)

[“Don’t touch me”

Means don’t fucking touch me!]

Recently I posted an anon Hedgehog that said “Don’t touch me” doesn’t mean I hate you. And this is very much the truth for autistic people.

But also, lately I’ve seen far too many autistics on tumblr talking about how when they tell people they don’t like to be touched, people do it anyway. Sometimes people even do it more. That is so fucked up, I made this Hedgehog.

Touching people without their permission is bad enough. Purposefully touching people even more when they’ve explicitly stated they don’t like it is positively despicable. Do not be that person. 

[If I have a meltdown

Don’t come near me]

Mod note: Anonymous creation.

Step awaaaaay from the hedgehog, people, step away from the hedgehog. Honestly, this is pretty good advice. I think some autistics like comfort during a meltdown, but as a rule of thumb this works best. 

[Anti-vaxxers need no studies

Studies are tyranny!]

Mod note: Anonymous creation. Also, yeah, anti-vaxxer logic in a nutshell.

[You don’t make friends with a hedgehog

By removing its quills]

mod note: Anonymous creation. Also, word. 

[“The stories of low-functioning autistic people who are burdens on their families are too often erased!”

Wow, have you even actually met reality?]

I can’t, you guys. I caaaaaaannn’t.

(And not just because my brain is tired from working so hard the last few days, either.)