Maybe this is a bit irrational, but this is my personal story. I went to a school for acting in college. It’s very therapeutic and fun, but I always felt like my parents really liked that image of me, the “performer” but not really the real person. It’s like the only time they truly enjoy my presence is when I’m providing some form of entertainment or something that distracts from my autism or just true feelings. I see that a lot with autistic people in general in society as well. It feels like it’s just something they can talk to their friends about like “EVERYONE LOOK AT MY SON😱😱😱” Please leave me alone. You’re allowed to be proud, but I’m not a trophy you hang on your wall, I’m a human being