"Your autism must be mild." Response ideas?

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I don't tell people that I'am autistic learned to mask when real young to help not draw attention to myself.

I have strong chemical smells and noisy fans in my house because of a flood. The smell isn't bad, it's kind of like lemon ... but I have sensory processing issues and can't be around scent even if it's nice, without feeling ill.

I told the workers that I was autistic and the constant stream of scent was overwhelming.

He told me that it's completely nontoxic and you can drink the disinfectant because it's so safe.

I told him that's not the point. I can't even smell food cooking without feeling sick. I can't have flowers in my house. I added that the sound would keep me from leaving my bedroom. I would need earplugs to step out of my room. He said I would get used to the noise and should block it out.

Again, I told him I'm autistic and I can't do sound or scent without sensory overload.

He looked at me like he had no idea about autism and couldn't believe what I was saying. It was a look of compassion, but utter bewilderment.

Of course he's a tradesman and I don't expect him to be knowledgeable about autism, but I thought I'd educate him since he must work in homes of other autistic people. That was my sensitivity training for the day.

That Isbella is why I don't say anything.

When they say it's mild *they* are from the outside comparing it to level 3. When ASD & ASP were merged (DSM) it came with NT confusion. As many people who were mainstreamed know, it is not easy going through life like this. Every new situation can be stressful and a problem. Especially when you have been rejected, made fun of, abused, used, etc. Certain cluster-b personality disorders specifically seek out autistic personality traits to take advantage of and makes things harder compounding social struggles exponentially. Long-term rejection/depression/etc can cause other psychological co-morbidities. (requires some amount of study to know what I'm saying). All ASD/ASP is not the same. ASD is explained as being an umbrella for a spectrum but the differences can be voluminous.

What is meant 2-11 is that the levels?

HE: "That's funny; you don't LOOK autistic!"

ME: "That's funny; you don't LOOK neurotypical!"

'Mild' does not necessarily mean 'low support' to 'no support and accommodations'.
Several of 'those with mild autism' have higher support level required than their 'severity of symptoms' suggests or rather presumed by professionals and onlookers.

Nor does 'severe' may mean 'high support' with 24/7 caretakers and unable to completely learn, grow and eventually accommodate self.
There exists 'those with severe autism' with less support level required than their 'apparent displays of symptoms'. Some of these people fare a better life than those with so-called 'mild autism'.


Basically, it severity does not always equal to support level required.

In my own case it's because I personally don't want them to know.
Not out of shame of being different, but out of pride that no one would have to question or be too concerned about. Also because I hate being reminded of human ignorance to the issue itself.

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I agree with you Edna my autism requires some support as I do get mixed up some of the time being mild but not being the sharpest knife in the drawer.

Them: Your autism must be mild.

Sarcastic response ideas:
Your ignorance must be severe.
What's that supposed to mean?! *stern face, then start laughing*
"Being normal is vastly overrated." (from Halloweentown)
Really? I thought my autism was hot.

More realistic, brief responses:
Only until you scratch the surface.
It takes a lot for me to appear "normal".
Mild autism isn't a thing.
Autism is a non-linear spectrum.
My symptoms might appear mild but it doesn't mean that they are.

"I only present mildly so I don't make you uncomfortable. It's a tough job but someone has to protect you".