I don't think that "autistic" is more of a "status symbol" than, say, "gay". And yes, it is wonderful that finally, autistic people get their voice, their agen

I don't think that "autistic" is more of a "status symbol" than, say, "gay". And yes, it is wonderful that finally, autistic people get their voice, their agency and are (sometimes) getting treated as equals (even if different). Sadly, in some places, "autistic" is still being used as an insult, usually based on a harmful stereotype that autism is in any way related to the lack of empathy. I love that the world changes to at least consider autism as a neurodivergence, even if not act upon that. Decades ago, it wasn't the same. Being traumatized by noise level was my problem, and even when I was in primary school, begging to let me go to some more quiet place, I was not allowed. Other kids were OK with the noise level, so why do I have a problem? If a person needs some accommodation (say, reducing volume in their workplace), it shouldn't matter if they are "truly autistic" or "non-autistic, but highly oversensitive to noise". And converse - if someone declares themself "mildly autistic" but does not require special accommodations, they won't take precious resources from you. I wish you success with getting the necessary accommodations!