Is Calling Yourself Autistic Bad? And other such questions

In this episode of "Christianity On The Spectrum," the host addresses questions and concerns from non-autistic individuals, particularly those in church leadership, regarding autistic self-identity. The host tackles the idea that identifying as autistic is detrimental, arguing instead that it's an acknowledgment of real limitations and a key to self-understanding, not a self-fulfilling prophecy. They differentiate autism as a disability rather than a mental illness, drawing parallels to physical disabilities like amputation. The host also discusses the complexities surrounding self-diagnosis within the autistic community, the potential for competition for limited resources, and the nuances of advocacy, especially from those with Autism 1 speaking over those with Autism 2 and 3. They emphasize the importance of triage and understanding the different needs within the autism spectrum.