Can Autistic People Be Eddgelords?

Autism is often misunderstood and misinterpreted, as it affects individuals differently. The term edgelord is commonly associated with a subculture known for its cheeky and rebellious attitude. Given the diversity within the autistic community, can an autistic person indeed be considered an edgelord?

Understanding Autism

Autism, or autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a development condition that affects how a person communicates and interacts with others. Individuals with autism may exhibit various characteristics, such as difficulties with social interaction, repetitive behaviors, and sensory sensitivities. Importantly, these individuals are just as diverse as any other group; they range from those who require significant support to those who lead independent lives with minor challenges. Therefore, the question of whether an autistic person can be an edgelord is irrelevant from an autistic perspective. It is the neurotypical observer who may personalize and misunderstand the characteristics of autism.

Myth or Reality: Hatred and Evolution

There is a misconception that autistics naturally feel hatred towards neurotypicals. However, hatred is a complex emotion that goes beyond autism. Autistics do not necessarily see themselves as the next step in human evolution or necessarily believe that they are the only people capable of truthfulness, compassion, and focus. These are overly generalized and often superficial views that overlook the complexity and diversity within the autistic community. It is important to recognize that these views are a result of misunderstanding and can be harmful.

Recognizing Eddgelord Culture

The subculture of edgelords is characterized by a certain level of defiance, creativity, and non-conformity. It often involves pushing boundaries and engaging in playful, sometimes provocative behavior. While it is true that most Goths can be considered edgelords, the versatility of edgelord culture means that almost anyone from time to time can act edgily. This includes autistics who may not consciously identify with this subculture but could exhibit edgy behavior naturally.

One example is someone named KP, who describes an individual's online profile: "8.2K questions in less than a year; that’s edgy.” This description might seem edgy, but it also highlights the breadth of behavior that can be associated with edgelord culture. It is important to note that being edgy is not exclusive to any single group of people, including autistics.

Personal Reflections

A few individuals shared their own experiences. One person, for instance, admits to sometimes acting "odd" and "a little edgy," but emphasizes that such behavior is unintentional. Another person humorously reflects, "In this world, almost anyone can be edgy from time to time or if they want to hehehe." These reflections suggest that the edgy behavior observed in autistics is often due to personality quirks or the desire to fit in with certain cultural groups, rather than any specific autistic trait.

It's crucial to avoid making assumptions about autistics and their behavior. Autism is a diverse and complex condition, and individuals within the autistic community should not be pigeonholed into any stereotype. By recognizing the individuality of each person, we can foster a more inclusive and understanding society.