Autistic

Descriptive noun form of autism/ASD, a neurodevelopomental disorder that can feature differences in how someone navigates social interactions, and differences on how we experience physical stimuli (also known as Sensory Processing Disorder, or SPD). Autism isn’t necessarily *characterised* by sensory-regulating behaviours (also called stims), and while body-stims like rocking and flapping are fairly common, they aren’t defining characteristics nor is stimming harmful in any capacity (with minor exceptions). We’re also fairly highly represented among BFRB populations, We don’t all approach social situations the same way either. some of us are nonverbal, others hyper-verbal; one autistic might seek physical contact while another might be repulsed by it. What we’re okay with can also vary depending on the situation or how we feel, we’re people. We aren’t any more monolithic than allistic folks; if you want to know if we’re comfortable with something, ask us.