When I don't look at you when you talk, I still hear you. I am still paying attention. When I always order the same things from a restaurant, I am not being picky. When I don't want to be touched all of a sudden, I am not mad at you. When I don't want to share my things, or get anxious when you have them, I am not being selfish. When I stimm, I am not always upset. when I hum, or repeat things, I am not trying to be annoying. When I can't eat things if they have a weird taste or texture, I am not being rude. When I complain about sounds, fabrics/textures, lights, or sounds, I am not being dramatic. When I stop talking, I am not ignoring you. When I act childish, I am still thirteen. When I have a meltdown, do not tell me to calm down or stop. When I say things that seem blunt and/or insensitive, I am not trying to be rude. I cant help who I am or how my brain works. I may seem rude, childish, and irrational, but that is not the case. My autism is not a streangth or weakness, It's just part of m