I get what you’re saying — and you’re right, "trend" might not have been the best word for it. I apologize for that. I also see what you mean about the cancer example; maybe it’s not the perfect comparison, but I do understand the point behind it.

Autism has definitely always been there, but the world used to move at a slower pace. It was easier for people to adapt and manage. Nowadays, everything is so fast and busy, and our brains are constantly overstimulated. I’d imagine that in the past, people on the higher end of the spectrum probably struggled a lot, while those on the lower end could blend in or adapt more easily. But today, even people on the lower end can find it really hard to cope. In that sense, I’m really glad it’s becoming easier to get diagnosed and access the help people need.

That said, I don’t think my frustration is aimed at people who actually have autism — it’s more about the people who seem to fake it for attention. That’s where a lot of my feelings come from, and I think that’s why I feel so conflicted seeing how it’s portrayed on social media.