Intersectionality. Chronic Illness and Autism
While I have been neurodivergent all my life, I only recently began seeing a specialist for my ASD. In doing so I have realized a vast variety of ways being both autistic and chronically ill compound upon each other to make this intersectionality in my identity both easier and harder to manage.
Biggest pros - masking and social interactions
While many people with severe ME, myalgic encephalomyelitis or similar isolation due to chronic illness often feel incredibly lonely, as someone neurodivergent spending most of my time alone or socializing solely online is less of a drawback and can actually be a form of stress reduction.
Not masking autism frees up brainpower for other passions and activities.
Biggest cons - burnout, communication and special interests
As a spoonie, my energy is already limited managing behcet's disease myalgic encephalomyelitis and fibromyalgia it is hard to have any spoons left for the essential communication with medical practitioners necessary to clear up the numerous misconceptions and stereotypes about MECFS. Much less educate them on the more recent guidelines for treatment and then self-advocate for that treatment.
This is compounded by autistic hyper-focus where since becoming ill myalgic encephalomyelitis research and advocacy has become one of my special interests so I struggle to pace and stop myself from going into PEM trying to share my message.
Burnout and autistic burnout happen when we feel we are working as hard as we can and nothing is being accomplished. For me, that is often how I feel. Having severe ME and being bedbound 24/7 I am unable to be very productive without sabotaging my health. My autistic hypersensitivity as well as my ME photophobia and noise sensitivity compound to further this burnout as even simple interactions can overload my system. Therefore it can feel like all my work is for nothing.
I constantly have to remind myself that rain can wear down mountains, that movements, not individuals make social change. So to all the other chronically ill autistic peeps out there, I see you. Keep fighting. Individually we may be powerless, but together we are strong.
