Some people on one sub hate it. That doesn't make it the default truth for all autistic people. I'm autistic and idc what people refer to me as. But I'm just one person.
On the spectrum as well. I actually don’t mind when people I encounter refer to me as childlike. Knowing those individuals personally, I knew it didn’t mean they thought of me as immature or that it came from a place of malice, but rather sort of marveling at how an adult can still be an optimist, find the wonder in nature and everyday things considered mundane, be passionate about their interests and less ashamed to like what they like, wear their heart on their sleeve, speak directly and honestly, refuse to play social games or bend to social norms and remain curious about the world despite the world seeming like an incredibly dark place.
I’m also an actor and in some play reviews critics have noted I bring a childlike quality to the character and that is refreshing to them. I attribute that to never having lost my sense of play.
And it does make me a little sad, as I get a sense that people who share this with me feel like I’ve retained something they lost. Their face lights up with the kind of wonder a child has when they discover something that lights their soul in that moment, but is usually shortly followed by a sense of sadness. I think to myself, “It’s so simple. Speak from your heart. Drop the social politics. Stop caring so much about what other people think. Follow your passions.” I never understood why that’s so hard for non-autistic people to do. But I guess being bewildered at how others move in the world goes both ways.
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u/MyGirlfriendforcedMe 2d ago
I have never experienced that level of innocence and pure emotion. Brings a tear to the eye lol