Labels, Mis-labels, and Liberation: Narratives of Neurodiversity

The narratives in this issue powerfully illuminate the lived experiences of neurodiverse individuals, particularly the long-term effects of labels and mislabels. Authors describe being called "lazy," "robotic," or "broken," as well as misperceptions of being "gifted" or a "child prodigy." These mis-labels often deepened feelings of isolation and fueled masking, camouflaging, or cocooning to navigate daily life. Several contributors highlight the transformative role of social media, especially TikTok, in fostering recognition, diagnosis, and community, offering both relief and validation while also raising concerns about misinformation. A central theme is the liberating clarity of adult diagnosis, reframing identity with pride and self-acceptance: "autism is not a bad word: it is beautiful, joyous, intense, and empowering." Collectively, these stories underscore the power of narrative to challenge ableism, expose systemic failures, and affirm the motto "nothing about us without us," reminding readers of the need to listen, learn, and support authentic inclusion.