Using Autism as an “Excuse”

Ever since I was diagnosed with autism five years ago, people have objected to my claiming the diagnosis. They get frustrated when I explain that yes, I have been masking as neurotypical for my entire life. They seem to assume that if that has been working, I should just keep doing it. Why not, when that makes everything easier for neurotypical people, and surely would make it easier for me than claiming that I have a disability? When I talk about noise and…