This is the problem of having a neurology that's subject to medical diagnosis, and it's similar to the problem for any person in a minority group or who is significantly different from the norm. This is what is meant by the idea of 'having a stigmatised identity '.
There is social pressure to conform to norms, and if we are in a minority group, or perhaps multiple minority groups, we experience the social stigma of not conforming, and we feel somewhat compelled to stigmatise ourselves, for example with the view that everything about us must be bad if we are in a stigmatised minority group. It's like the phenomenon of internalised homophobia.
This is despite that we know on some levels that the majority group is not perfect or lacking in downsides, that everyone has a mix of capacities and strengths and challenges. But people who conform to the norm face less stigma, and have less pressure to doubt that they are OK people, despite that they may have problematic traits or weaknesses in some areas.
So, because you can do something adequately or well, you doubt you are autistic. Because everything about you should be dysfunctional. I am sure we all struggle with this once we recognise ourselves as autistic or are diagnosed as such. We at the same time have to keep explaining autism to others. It's a challenge in itself.
I watched the first 2 episodes of The Good Doctor last night, and despite that they have chosen an unusual type of autism, I thought they illustrated quite well this type of issue, where the young man is continually misunderstood and stigmatised whereas the status hungry medics and their arguably inefficient and unethical norms are accepted and thriving.
It's not a convincing story because despite his unorthodox brilliance one just can't see him getting through all the challenges he would face. But it certainly is a great What If story, and that's what minorities need to bring us into the world as valid beings. Wakanda Forever!
