ABSTRACT
The chapter begins by finding a phrase to express autism to other people. After working out a phrasing that suits, it is important to consider who to tell. A realisation that things that has been said and done in order to appear neurotypical can lead people to contemplate they are behind the mask of normality. As one begin to see themselves as autistic, or see autism as something that relates to life, the person is likely to become increasingly aware of the paradigms, prejudices and neuro-normative narratives in society that make life slightly harder. Recognising one's own prejudices and stereotypes about autism can be particularly uncomfortable and a certain amount of wrestling will occur as the person try to unpick these from their thinking. Experiences of a couple of individuals are also used in this chapter. Finally, it expounds on the many physical differences between autistic people and neurotypical people and bias in the heart of research on autism.
