Why I no longer identify as autistic. Despite autism spectrum features.

This video has corrrections to the autocaptions to try make clearer (Kiwi accent & rate of speech).

My name is Xanthe Wyse.

I have impairments with my communication, so at times what I meant to say didn't come out.

I recorded this video as I was getting ready for work. I work a few hours daily with a low paid, (mostly) low stress job with flexible hours.

I don't wear makeup most of the time but I have a little ritual of applying a little for work. Makes me look a little less tired. I have sensory sensitivities and that extends to makeup, so I am very fussy about whether I can tolerate the products.

A lot of people get mad at me because my views don't go with what is currently trendy. I find identity politics toxic. One of the main reasons I no longer call myself autistic (despite being 'definitely on the autism spectrum with clincially significant features' - psychiatrist's words), is to protest against forcing labels onto people.

I don't identify as 'bipolar' either. My username was to highlight my most stigmatised diagnosis (bipolar disorder). I actually have half a dozen diagnoses.

Most of my impairment is rated by clinicians to be from PTSD, then bipolar disorder. Also labelled a 'mental injury' from trauma.

'Autistic' and 'autism' have been so watered down by popular social media influencers profiting from spreading misinformation. It's become very cultlike, with being told that not allowed to have an opinion. With mob bullying to try and shut people up (yes, those who self-identified as 'autistic' and 'neurodivergent' did that to me).

I had mutism in childhood and also difficulties interacting with other children. I am diagnosed PDD-NOS which was classified as a pervasive developmental disorder in the DSM-IV along with autistic disorder (classic or Kanner's autism) and Asperger's Syndrome. PDD-NOS stands for pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified.

New Zealand uses both DSM-IV and/or DSM-5 to diagnose. Nothing is done about an adult autism diagnosis anyway and it can even be used against someone.

Diagnostic labels are not my identity (and no my 'username' is not my identity').

I have written more nuance, in the context of an intense connection with another advocate, in my memoir, 'Bipolar Courage: Are You Sure You're Not Autistic?' I haven't detailed the identity politics but I have given some more detail about childhood and adult features. The subtitle is what the autistic guy in the story, 'Maxwell', asked me.

My books:
http://www.soarpurpose.com/books.html

Memoir on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CH2CM99Q

Memoir with ebook distributors other than Amazon:
https://books2read.com/u/mg57w7