Anyone want to talk about the stigma of being called "autistic", HFA, Asperger's, etc.? I'm quite content being HFA (diagnosed Asperger's but now called High Functioning Autistic) and talk openly about it with people. Their views, opinions, biases are their own and don't bother me. I want them to know, to know me and to help dispell the myth that we're emotionless, dysfunctional, disabled, etc. Yes, many social things are difficult for me but I can manage retail stores or education programs, teach, write, draw and do many other things. It's the stigma that creates the problem, not the autism. Another issue is honesty. Recent studies have shown that "neurotypical" people lie regularly and often. Little lies, mostly, but they do it and if I don't do it then it scares them. Their fear is also their own problem, not mine. Honesty is not brutal to me, nor is it unwelcome or socially inappropriate. We teach children not to lie because it's hurtful and leads to problems, yet adults who don't lie are ostracized, right? Confounding!