The entire history of autism research has been a case study in people not realizing how many hidden, mistaken assumptions they make. I considered listing examples but it's hard to think of things that aren't examples.
https://monotropism.org/ hosts resources created & maintained by #ActuallyAutistic individuals & features evidence-based #AutismResearch. They hope for fuller #autism understanding & on-topic language development by focusing on the concept of #monotropism: a phenomenon that seems to pervade those on the autism spectrum. Quote: "monotropic minds tend to have their attention pulled more strongly towards a smaller number of interests at any given time, leaving fewer resources for other processes," which may serve as a partial foundation of full understanding of the autism spectrum.
https://monotropism.org/ was recently shared to me by a friend. The site hosts resources created by #ActuallyAutistic individuals, is maintained by them, and features evidence-based #AutismResearch with goals of understanding #autism more fully, and developing language to better discuss it. They focus on the concept of #monotropism as a phenomenon that seems to pervade those on the autism spectrum. A direct quote: "monotropic minds tend to have their attention pulled more strongly towards a smaller number of interests at any given time, leaving fewer resources for other processes," which may serve as a partial foundation of full understanding of the autism spectrum.
^ This website is CHOCK full of amazing resources including actual scientific studies, WIP self-diagnosis aids, FREE ADULT ASSSESSMENT HANDBOOK, etc...! (I found the "Updates" tab very useful.)
Additionally, their monotropism questionnaire has been translated into web format: https://dlcincluded.github.io/MQ/ As someone pursuing adult dx, this was a very empowering and encouraging tool for me! The questions are quite well crafted, and it only took a few minutes to confirm "yes I seem rather autistic." (Note: the site does not scrape any data from you, and is not meant to be a full self-diagnosis tool.)
@NudelnAlDente Too real! One of my friends described an aspect of my love language as "just existing nearby" because of that factor. :inbredlaughtig:
"Ohhh look who has graced us with their presence," is a common joke, but folks that really know me realize how much that means. "I can actually exist here comfortably."
@Raegn Oh I totally get that. I once told my partner that "Being with you is the closest thing to being by myself." Not sure if most people would view that as a compliment but it's the biggest one I can give. 🥰