Join a Community That Understands You

Get answers from those who share your health journey

Left Image 1Middle Image 1Right Image 1
avatar

Anella

Updated 11mo ago

Convincing Skeptics of My Illness: Tips and Tricks

How do you convince skeptics you have an illness?

Can you help? Connect today

avatar

SunInAugust

2y

Personally I wouldn't call autism an illness or a disease, but a disorder or disability or difference. And I think it might be pretty hard to convince someone who is ignorant :/. You're valid. I believe you.
avatar

GracefulKim

2y

Of you've tried to educate the person about autism and they still refuse, there's not much more you can do besides all them what it is about you that they don't understand. Think of it this way: if we could make everyone understand what everyone else is, this world would be extraordinarily different. It's our differences that make us individual but it's also what causes war. That's a big one to think through. Good luck with your person.
avatar

Roary

2y

It depends on the person, usually I don't run into this problem because I usually only tell people who are close to me, and those people almost always believe. But when it comes to people who are strangers, I don't really bother to try to convince them, if they don't believe me it's probably because they aren't educated on autism and think all autistic people have to adhere to a stereotype. But when it comes to professionals (like therapists) I have to explain myself, my diagnosis, and how I personally deal with it.
avatar

Overcomer

2y

I have learned that not everyone I can tell and I am comfortable with keeping it to myself but only disclose if it will help me grow or receive treatment
avatar

sendhelpmydudes

2y

I don't. I don't have to do anything to prove that I am autistic to people that don't believe me./nm
avatar

Michaelar1

2y

With autism (late-diagnosed female who masked her whole life) and people give the whole, "But you don't seem autistic," bit, I usually tell them what I'm doing to mask right that second (I'm not making eye contact. I'm looking at your forehead. I'm not reacting as I would, I'm reacting the way you would expect someone to react. I'm not "quirky" I'm socially awkward masking as quirky because I know most people think quirky is a cute trait. Etc.)
avatar

tylerjay

2y

Have a co worker like this .. I just ignore him..
avatar

LaDayna

2y

I lost everything due to autism. Now I have to start over at 59 years old. Very overwhelming.
avatar

Overcomer

2y

Why did you lose everything to autism?
avatar

Overcomer

2y

I gain and not lose
avatar

Anella

2y

Thanks everyone for your input. Helps a lot. I just feel pushed in a corner sometimes with people saying things like I don't have "everything". I nwvervsaid I did. But my immediate family has been the worst even after getting diagnosed with a few things. They have never been supportive
avatar

SunInAugust

2y

you deserve support. I'm sorry :(
avatar

Overcomer

2y

I agree you do deserve support and so sorry
avatar

Sick.but.slick

2y

I just lost someone I thought was going to be a really great friend… she said she couldn’t stand my “outbreaks” of autism… as if it was herpes or something. I told her that’s cool. I don’t feel like being discriminated against for something over which I have no control.
avatar

SunInAugust

2y

I'm sorry

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

feed-footer-0

Free unlimited access

to all community content

feed-footer-1

Find others who are

medically similar to you

feed-footer-2

Pose questions and join

meaningful discussions

pp-logo

Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.

appStoreBtngooglePlayBtn

© 2020-2024 Alike, Inc