I don’t even know where to start.
I have known them for over 10 years, it always been very clear to me they are neurodivergent, I’ve known that from day one.
A few months ago they were given a formal diagnosis of autism. I can completely see it, I can completely understand the diagnosis, and I think it is in perfect alignment with many of this person’s characteristics.
I really do not know what the hell is going on in their mind, if the diagnosis has triggered some deep feelings or…
But the problem is this… Ever since they got the diagnosis, they have started to mimic the behaviors that are often seen in people with Down’s Syndrome. She has started to mimic the speech patterns, and tries to crunch her face and squint.
It’s just annoying as fuck. They are purposefully acting like somebody they are not. I am becoming absolutely exhausted with this behavior, especially because they have not changed as a person, they are the exact same person as prior to the diagnosis, they’ve just started acting like an idiot. (E: and I’m also getting SICK of her besmirching people with Downs by ACTING like she has the IQ of a cat)
I am at the point where I don’t want to be around them anymore, but before I limit my contact, what are some compassionate ways I can have a conversation with this person?
What kinds of behaviors do you want to reinforce? What do you want less of? Is it possible to get more of the good stuff and less of the bad stuff in your current context?
If yes, try it.
If no, I think this is a matter of acceptance. It’s really unfortunate.
They do not have the mask so they are free to express more of their true self if they wish. So I would like to encourage that.
I would like to discourage the person from embodying various stereotypes in their worst forms. They don’t have to pretend they have DS, and act like a braying half-wit ignoramus, which is not what DS people are anyways.