My journey with autism is also a journey with language. The more I know about my autistic self, the more I question the way I used to use certain words, like "positive" and "negative".

For example, "positive" things like "eating right", "exercising", "dressing flatteringly", and "having a wide social circle" have been hard for me to do in the way that conventional thinking expects. Even when I did do them, they didn't make me feel good the way others seemed to feel. I didn't know then about spoons, overwhelm, or burnout, so I judged myself harshly for "not doing positive things".

Meanwhile, "negative" things like "spending too much time resting", "being alone", "obsessing over 'weird' stuff", "being 'over-reliant' on set plans", and "taking mental health medication" made me feel good when they were supposed to make me feel bad. I didn't know about my traits, how important rest is for me, or that it's okay to enjoy my own company, so I judged myself harshly for "doing negative things".

Now that I know I'm autistic, the way I use "positive" and "negative" is starting to reverse in situations like these. It's made parts of my life make more sense. I feel more comfortable making the lifestyle decisions that are best for me. Has anyone else found their definitions of "positive" and "negative" start to change around autism-related things?

Share questions:

• Have any applications of the idea of "positive" and "negative" changed for you since learning about autism? 
• Do you feel safe sharing these reversals with others, i.e., speaking up about the things you are finding positive and negative these days, even if it contradicts conventional perceptions? 
• Can you name examples of new positives you've identified since learning about autism? New negatives that conventional thinking might say are positives? 
• Any tools, strategies, or resources that helped you? 
• Anything else to add?