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?
Because honestly, and I’m not trying to sound rude even though it’s going to be blunt, that is the type of 10-year-old mentality that we see from reddit, where every single problem is solved by walking away. A mature person knows that relationships and human beings are complicated, and we must afford each other allowances and lenience.
A mature person does not automatically walk away from a person they have known for a decade, just because that person is experiencing some change in their life and some challenges.
A mature person does not abandon someone when they are going through mental health issues.
A mature person looks how they can act like a friend, and work with the other person, versus taking the view that the minute something becomes annoying or inconvenient, the answer is to walk.
The idea that you would come and just snap off such a reply without taking any chance to explore the situation or offer a possible solution shows how useless and immature it is.
Stop talking to me after this please.
Don’t waste your breath arguing with someone resuming mental illness to “they’re a poser, walk away”.
Thanks for the support, but I’m not arguing with them, I’m telling them to basically fuck right the fuck off in the most polite way.