Why Saying "Everyone Has Autism Now" Is Harmful

Lately, you might have heard people joke that "everyone has autism now." Maybe someone casually says they’re "a little autistic" because they like routines or hate loud noises. On the surface, it might seem harmless—maybe even relatable. But the reality? Statements like these are not just inaccurate; they’re dismissive of the real experiences of autistic people.

Autism Is Not a Trend

Autism isn’t just quirks or preferences. It’s a neurodevelopmental disability that affects how a person processes the world, communicates, and navigates life. It’s not something everyone has—it’s a lifelong experience that comes with both strengths and significant challenges.

Yes, lots of people relate to autistic traits. You might love a strict routine, hate small talk, or hyper-focus on your favorite hobby. But that doesn’t mean you’re autistic. Autism is diagnosed based on a combination of social communication differences, sensory processing, and behavioral patterns—not just a handful of relatable habits. Saying "everyone has autism" dilutes what autistic people go through and makes it even harder for those who need support to be taken seriously.

Why These Jokes Are Harmful

We get it—people don’t always mean harm. But casual comments like "everyone is on the spectrum" actually make life harder for autistic individuals. Here’s why:

🚫 It Dismisses Real Challenges – Autism comes with real struggles, from sensory overload to executive functioning difficulties. Saying "everyone has autism" minimizes these challenges and makes it easier for people to ignore the need for accommodations.

🚫 It Spreads Misconceptions – Autism is not just being introverted, socially awkward, or obsessed with a hobby. Oversimplifying it makes it harder for people to understand what autism actually is.

🚫 It Makes Support Harder to Access – If society starts thinking autism is just a personality trait, autistic individuals may struggle even more to get the services, workplace accommodations, and understanding they need.

🚫 It Undermines Diagnosed Autistic People – Getting an autism diagnosis is not easy. It can be a long, emotional process, filled with self-doubt and barriers. When people casually claim to be "a little autistic," it can feel invalidating for those who have fought for recognition and support.

What To Say Instead

So, what can we do instead of making dismissive statements? Here are a few ways to build understanding and respect for autistic individuals:

✅ Listen to Autistic Voices – Autistic individuals are the best source of information about autism. Read their experiences, follow their work, and learn directly from them.

✅ Use Accurate Language – If you relate to certain autistic traits, that’s totally fine! But instead of saying, "I’m probably autistic," say something like, "I relate to that experience." It makes a big difference.

✅ Call It Out – If someone jokes that "everyone has autism now," take a second to explain why that’s not true (or send them this article—subtle, but effective).

✅ Support Autism Acceptance – True acceptance means recognizing autism for what it is—without reducing it to a joke, a stereotype, or something that everyone supposedly has.

Words Matter

Autism is not a fad. It’s not a punchline. And it’s definitely not something that everyone just kind of has. When we throw around phrases like that, we make it harder for autistic people to be seen, heard, and supported.

So let’s do better. A little thoughtfulness goes a long way in making the world a more inclusive place. And honestly, that’s the least autistic individuals deserve.