Tribalism is a word which I use and not sure if it actually exists to describe the way non Autistic people try to force or convert persons on the Autism Spectrum to think like and become neuro typical. Sadly 'tribalism' has serious ramifications. It can make a person on the Autism Spectrum more depressed, frustrated and anxious.
What people not on the Autism Spectrum need to realise is that persons on the Autism Spectrum think and act differently. We may not always see things the same way that you do and forcing us to be different only makes matters worse.
How does 'tribalism' affect a person on the Autism Spectrum? Well to answer this question simply and directly I will give you an idea. Firstly it can occur when a person constantly tries to force you to think and act like a Neuro Typical. This may be in the form of communication, or by a person asking personal questions which relate to your marital status, job situation, and your sexual orientation. What is important to note is that questions may not be direct but more so indirect and sadly in some situations prejudice and judgements can be made leading people to draw conclusions before they actually get to know you properly.
Tribalism also has some serious side effects in that a person on the Autism Spectrum, my own situation included can be left in a state of social isolation and loniliness. Tribalism also manifests itself with people saying 'you just need to try harder' or 'you have to learn how to get on with people'. Such comments may work for the non Autistic population but for persons on the Autism Spectrum lacking social skills and social isolation, exclusion and lack of awareness and education from the wider community can seriously lead to mental health issues. This is because a person on the Autism Spectrum can just feel worthless, lonely and confused. Withdrawal from the community and social isolation can have serious ramifications and in the worst instance may even cause suicide.
Tribalism is not only something I experience but many other Aspies also. Some are frustrated by people trying to change their ways of thinking and thoughts. It can happen in work environments, in social settings or in communities. Tribalism can be overcome with better coping strategies from the person on the Autism Spectrum and increased awareness from persons within the wider community.
I would simply 'coin' the term 'tribalism' to mean - the forced conversion of a person on the Autism Spectrum to think and behave like a Neuro - Typical and as a result having serious ramifications.
What people not on the Autism Spectrum need to realise is that persons on the Autism Spectrum think and act differently. We may not always see things the same way that you do and forcing us to be different only makes matters worse.
How does 'tribalism' affect a person on the Autism Spectrum? Well to answer this question simply and directly I will give you an idea. Firstly it can occur when a person constantly tries to force you to think and act like a Neuro Typical. This may be in the form of communication, or by a person asking personal questions which relate to your marital status, job situation, and your sexual orientation. What is important to note is that questions may not be direct but more so indirect and sadly in some situations prejudice and judgements can be made leading people to draw conclusions before they actually get to know you properly.
Tribalism also has some serious side effects in that a person on the Autism Spectrum, my own situation included can be left in a state of social isolation and loniliness. Tribalism also manifests itself with people saying 'you just need to try harder' or 'you have to learn how to get on with people'. Such comments may work for the non Autistic population but for persons on the Autism Spectrum lacking social skills and social isolation, exclusion and lack of awareness and education from the wider community can seriously lead to mental health issues. This is because a person on the Autism Spectrum can just feel worthless, lonely and confused. Withdrawal from the community and social isolation can have serious ramifications and in the worst instance may even cause suicide.
Tribalism is not only something I experience but many other Aspies also. Some are frustrated by people trying to change their ways of thinking and thoughts. It can happen in work environments, in social settings or in communities. Tribalism can be overcome with better coping strategies from the person on the Autism Spectrum and increased awareness from persons within the wider community.
I would simply 'coin' the term 'tribalism' to mean - the forced conversion of a person on the Autism Spectrum to think and behave like a Neuro - Typical and as a result having serious ramifications.
