Autism is never an excuse to be an asshole

Autism is not an excuse

Autism does not excuse bullying.

Autism isn’t a license to be mean.

Autism cannot be used to justify abuse.

While it’s true that communication problems are a core issue of autism, it doesn’t mean we can use our diagnosis as a free pass to say whatever we want, and it doesn’t grant us immunity from the things we do say. Autistic people can be blunt, but we need to strive to express ourselves respectfully. Serious discussions or not, on social media or in person, it’s our responsibility to learn how to keep debate and disagreements civil. Indeed, autism can sometimes explain lousy behavior, but it doesn’t excuse the hurt it may cause. As an autistic person, I’ve unintentionally hurt people. But, I would never purposely hurt someone and then shift the responsibility to the diagnosis I carry.

Hurting others because you’re upset does not solve your problems — it just hurts you more.

Thanks for the letter board quote Planning Across the Spectrum