A question for all the NT posters.
You don't see how comparing someone to an ant in an ant colony could be perceived as insulting? You're saying that only autistics are capable of thinking as individuals.
Regardless of what some here might like to believe, we're all a part of society. Or, if you'd prefer, the colony.
This sums it all.
How can you not see that you forgot to read? Or that you decided to be "insulted to be compared to an ant" before even wondering what the analogy was about?
This is what gives NTs a bad rep.
First, I'm not an "NT". I'm not sure why you'd assume I am simply because I take issue with the concept. Second, the only people NTs seem to have a bad rep with are people on the spectrum who wish to stereotype all of society.
I don't see what about this is insulting. Having to consciously work out social rules, it's quite normal that one may obtain more 'abstract' knowledge about how society works, still not being able to fit in. And, not having a diagnosis, I see this as a NT.
MindWithoutWalls
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Unless a term has a truly heinous origin or history, I think it might be better to work out together what is meant by it than to simply run from it.
Neurotypical has to do with wiring. It's different from chemical imbalances, physical injuries, and the damaging psychological results of traumatic experiences. So, calling someone an NT is not the same as universally labeling all people not on the autism spectrum as "normal" (which can, in itself, be used as a kind of insult) or saying they're all alike. Individuals who say insulting things about non-autistics are responsible for their own attitudes (not accusing anyone here of anything, just making a point).
Neurotypical is a technical term. If non-autistic or something similar works best for you in discussing things with someone, because it's a term that's reacted to better, then use it. If neurotypical or NT is received okay, then use that when it seems appropriate. The point is to be able to hold a discussion. It seems to me that it takes little from anyone to switch from one of those terms to the other, out of respect for the person you're talking to. If a problem with a term can be resolved by explaining it, then that's fine, too. Just do that. Otherwise, switch if it helps. No big deal. It's not as though we've all taken some kind of vow only to use one term and not the other.
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Life is a classroom for a mind without walls.
Loitering is encouraged at The Wayshelter: http://wayshelter.com
People in general seem ot have a distaste for being 'labelled'. If you use NT with your 'normal' friends and they are offended, it may be a bit of empathy fail at work there. I find that many normal people will use a 'label' for others quite easily but react strongly when someone tries to differentiate them from the crowd with a label.
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