True inclusion means valuing neurodivergent people as they are — no idealizing, no expectations, just respect.
In a world that moves fast, values fitting in, and often keeps things on the surface, neurodivergent people bring a unique view. We help others see society’s blind spots and remind them of the need for real diversity and understanding, especially when it comes to neurodiversity. But these perspectives aren’t here to “teach” anyone. Autistic people are not guides for others; we are simply individuals with their own experiences and needs. Our worth is in who they are — not in what they might show the world.
Our worth lies in simply being ourselves — not in what we might teach the world
Autism: A Fresh View, Without Obligation
Many autistic people notice details and patterns that others might miss. This way of seeing things is part of being neurodivergent. While these insights can be helpful, autistic people aren’t responsible for “improving” society or educating others. Our experiences deserve respect just as we are, without the pressure to change the world around us.
Inclusion without Idealizing or Expecting a Role
Some people think of autism as a “guiding light” that can help others find meaning or purpose, but this is unrealistic. It can make autism seem like a magical solution, when the reality is that autistic people face challenges every day in a world that doesn’t always understand them. For many autistic people, the main goal is simply to feel safe and understood in a world that can be confusing, and sometimes even unkind. Real inclusion means letting us, neurodivergent people, be ourselves, without expecting us to act as symbols or teachers for others.
Inclusion as Equality, Not Just Fitting In
True inclusion is more than just accepting differences on the surface. It means changing the way our society works. Too often, autistic people are expected to fit into neurotypical norms, even when those norms don’t make sense for everyone. In a truly inclusive world, everyone — including neurodivergent people — would be free to be themselves, without bending to match others’ standards. Inclusion also means questioning the “rules” and recognizing that they might not work for everyone. This change would make space for new ideas about what connection, intelligence, and success can look like.
The Communication Gap and Shared Responsibility
Many talk about the “communication gap” between neurotypical and neurodivergent people. Researcher Damian Milton’s “double empathy problem” brings a fresh view. Instead of seeing communication issues as a failure by autistic people, this theory suggests that the gap is mutual — on both sides. Neurotypical and autistic people often have different ways of expressing themselves, and this can cause misunderstandings for everyone involved. Bridging this gap takes effort from both sides.
Real inclusion is not about forcing one group to change. It’s about creating a space where all voices… can be heard, respected, and understood.
In fact, communication gaps don’t only exist between neurotypical and neurodivergent people. Even within the neurodivergent community, there is a wide range of ways to think and communicate. Different autistic people may have different styles, different neurodivergent people may have different styles, and this calls for empathy and openness from everyone. Real inclusion is not about forcing one group to change. It’s about creating a space where all voices — neurotypical, neurodivergent, and everything in between — can be heard, respected, and understood.
Building a Society Where Neurodiversity Is Truly Valued
Neurodivergent people shouldn’t be expected to be “catalysts” for change. Ourpresence in society is not here to serve a specific purpose or to be an example for others. We deserve the right to simply be, without facing constant social or institutional barriers. Inclusion doesn’t mean making neurodivergent people adapt; it means creating a society where everyone is welcome from the start, and where neurodiversity is celebrated as part of what it means to be human.
Conclusion: True Inclusion without Idealizing or Expecting
Autism doesn’t need to be a mirror or a guide for society. What neurodivergent people show others most is that real inclusion begins with rethinking the typical norms and assumptions. Only by truly listening to neurodivergent voices and giving us space is there a chance to build a society that is more inclusive and open. This shift requires society to value neurodiversity for what it is, without adding expectations or idealizing it.
Imagine a world where everyone can fully be theirselves, where everyone’s worth isn’t measured by what they might teach others or how well they fit in. Even within the neurodivergent community, where empathy is shared in different styles, we are not a point where everyone has the feeling of belonging that everyone deserves. This is what real inclusion can look like but what is still far ahead.
The European Autist 