8 reasons I've been called annoying that are all related to my autistic brain wiring...

2 min read

1. I can be extremely literal and feel the need to correct misinformation... which usually seems minor to others, but never to me

2. I can "overcomplicate" things that others think are simple even though, to me, they aren't simple at all

3. I can be sensitive to jokes and a "buzzkill" when people around me think something is funny and I don't... especially when the "joke" is at someone else's expense

4. I can be a "goody two shoes" when people are behaving in ways that I believe will impact others negatively

5. I have a really hard time not talking about things I'm passionate about, and sometimes don't notice when someone isn't interested in what I'm saying

6. I can seem "dense" at times (not BE... SEEM) when everyone around me "gets" something that I don't... like an unwritten social rule or a rule that just doesn't make any sense to me

7. I can be extremely "picky" about my likes and dislikes. For example I'm pretty particular about the foods I eat, the clothes I wear, the activities I participate in, and in general, how I spend my time.

8. I get EXTREME anxiety from certain sensory inputs. Two of my most intense triggers are music with a lot of bass (even if it's low) & gum cracking or other mouth sounds. When my sensory anxiety is triggered and I ask for any sort of accommodation, I'm immediately annoying af 😒

Ok, so here's the thing I wish I could have explained to the people who've called me annoying because of these things...

None of what I just described is a choice.

My brain wiring isn't a choice.

My sensory sensitivities aren't a choice.

My autism isn't a choice...

But being nasty to me and treating me like I'm undeserving of attention, interaction, or friendship because of these things (which are all completely outside of my control)... THAT is a choice.