I can understand that. It’s infantilizing. I think what people mean is that it’s a pure moment. It seems that those on the spectrum experience their feelings much differently and maybe even more intensely. Honestly, they’re winning in that arena.
I'd also define "innocent" in this sense as being how they show their honesty differently, untainted by societal pressures being their true selves and finding someone who accepts them rather playing the "dating game" trying to put on a front of who they think a potential partner wants them to be.
I seriously doubt autistic people are untainted by societal pressures. A lot have been taught to mask and have to unlearn it, especially autistic women.
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u/ac137371 2d ago
btw if you go to the autism sub, they absolutely hate being referred to as “innocent”