Autistic people are not wired to be rigid

Rigidity is a human response to the fear of our needs not being met. A logical one, even.

Because it's a mechanism that ensures our needs are met. Because when they go unmet, we suffer. Sometimes to an intolerable level.

We, as humans, are rigid about what we know will keep us safe. Mentally, emotionally, and physically.

And... as I've mentioned a lot lately... autistic needs are human needs.

Our human needs are just more likely to go unmet more frequently and more easily than nonautistic people. 

They are also likely to reach an intolerable level much more quickly and easily. 

Which means we suffer more often, more easily, and more intensely than nonautistic people.

Which, if you follow the logic, is why we show rigidity more easily and more frequently than nonautistic people. 

It makes complete sense that we would. It's a perfectly logical fear response.

But, again, rigidity is not a feature of autism itself.

Example... if I'm being rigid about the food I'm eating, it's because of my sensory needs. Not because I am wired to be rigid.

If I'm being rigid about social rules it's because I am already so incredibly lost in social situations that I need to rely on those rules to keep me safe socially. Not because I'm wired to be rigid.

If I'm rigid about my routines, it's because they keep me safe mentally, emotionally, and physically. Not because I'm wired to be rigid.

And lastly, rigidity is mentioned in the DSM as part of the autism criteria because it's one of the main ways our fear of suffering from unmet needs manifests. Not because it's a feature of autism.

And this is a fundamental aspect of the autistic experience that I wish more people understood.