…A non-speaking autistic person is assumed to lack comprehension, agency, and sophisticated thought. They’re denied education, autonomy, and presumption of competence because one apparent marker of disability is mistaken for a limitation in every domain of functioning.

The other extreme is the denial of difficulty: For example, eloquent communicators might be told they “don’t seem autistic” or can’t possibly need support. Or, someone’s success in one area becomes “evidence” that their ADHD is not real; they’re exaggerating, seeking attention, not trying hard enough. The non-apparent and context-specific nature of struggles is used to dismiss the very real sensory overwhelm, social exhaustion, or executive function challenges.