Why do people want to be Autistic?!

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The FaceTime Autistic pages are full of people wanting a diagnosis. They say “I hope” etc. I hate being autistic. I don’t want it, I wish I was normal. It doesn’t make sense.

This is familiar ground, having explored the same topic in previous threads.

Some people seem to want to be diagnosed as autistic because they believe autistic people have special privileges -- we don't have to work, we get to stay home and play games all day, we get to "act out" without suffering the same consequences as "normals", and if we're lucky we get prescribed "happy pills" so we don't feel so miserable any more.

BUSH-LIT!

If they only knew what we go through every day. Even those of us deemed merely 'weird' or 'eccentric' by the normals are not treated as equals, but as freaks to be put on display for whatever special talents we have that make us employable. They never stop to think that people like us would prefer to be treated like equals all of the time, instead of being ignored until we're needed and then patronized as long as we can put on our 'savant' performances for them.

We're people, dammit! Treat us like people!

I've never heard of anyone wanting to be autistic. Maybe you misinterpret the ones you've seen who's said that?
I was excited to get my diagnosis before I got it because we'd suspected it for years and having it confirmed meant I could finally understand myself better and get proper help forward in life. I was very stuck. That doesn't mean I don't struggle to accept being autistic though.

On the other hand many people think having a diagnose makes you special in a cute and quirky way. But i've never heard anyone wanting an autism diagnosis because of that reason. Wouldn't be surprised though.

Being "cute and quirky in a special way" seems to be the goal of some people seeking a diagnosis of autism (specifically, Asperger's Syndrome) -- some seem to be "doctor shopping" until they find someone who will give them the diagnosis that they want.

^ Agree. Also think that some of the people who want to be autistic - as distinct from wanting to have a clear diagnosis so you can figure out what the heck you have, and are, and can do about it - have a Hollywood Autism in mind, a TV type of presentation, which is prettified and otherwise distorted.

Do they want to be Autistic when they know they are not or do they want a diagnosis to confirm or validate their struggles if they think they might be Autistic? There is a big difference between the two. If someone wants a diagnosis because he is really struggle and can't make sense of his life and suspects he might be Autistic, that is very understandable. But if someone is not Autistic and knows it, I don't understand why he would want to be unless he admires the positive parts of Autism.

We need to distinguish between people that want an ASD diagnosis and people that want to be autistic. Of course, some people want an Autism diagnosis because they want to be autistic.

People that want to be autistic are wannabees for two main reasons. 1. They have a fictitious disorder 2. And the reason so many people harp about they think autistics are superior people and want to identify with that.

Some people want an autism diagnosis for the same reasons people want any diagnosis to explain their problems and thus find ways forward. An autism diagnosis explains that you were at least partially "born that way" and your issues are not (or at least not completely not) the result of you being a weak lazy jerk. Those other mental diagnoses such as psychopath or ret*d (ahem intellectually disabled) are still mostly viewed as inferior people.

In actuality, amongst people I have encountered, autism is not seen as being “cute and quirky”.

People frequently think of autism making use of old-fashioned notions about uncommunicative, stimmy children who spin things and make funny noises; and savants like “Rainman.”

It is not seen as being, necessarily, a negative thing. Autistic people are not thought of as being dangerous.

They are seen as people to avoid, for some vague reason. Sort of an embarrassment. People with a “social disease.” People to feel sympathy for. As charity cases. No notion that one can really be friends with them.

I think a lot of people don’t feel that they fit in or belong and want to know the reason for it. I think they’d rather have autism than some personality flaw or disorder.

Autism or Asperger's is the latest trendy diagnosis. I don't understand why somebody would want to go around telling everyone that they are an aspie. I hate having autism and all the struggles I have because of it. I don't tell anyone about my autism because it always results in people treating me like I'm stupid little kid. The people seeking the trendy diagnosis make it harder for those of us who really are autistic to get the help we need.