Remember, doctors still miss a lot of autistic people.
They miss people like women and people of colorPeople who are not white. For example, black people are people of color..
These people might not get an autism diagnosisWhen a doctor says you are autistic..
They might not know they are autistic.
That will make it hard for them to find your group.
Most autistic people in TV shows, books, and movies are white boys and men.
But, most autistic people are not white boys and men.
There are not a lot of autistic women in TV shows, books, and movies.
So autistic women don’t see examples of autistic people like them.
There are not a lot of autistic people of color in TV shows, books, and movies.
So autistic people of color don’t see examples of autistic people like them.
This can make it harder for them to realize they are autistic.
Non-autistic people also see movies, TV, and books.
They also mostly see autistic white men.
Doctors see movies, television, and books, too.
They may think that only white men can be autistic.
They might not diagnose women or people of color with autism.
Because of this, your group might just be white autistic men.
Other autistic people might not feel like they belong in the group.
Groups need to find ways to help everyone feel like they belong.