As an autistic, I really relate to this story. I have successfully masked most of my adult life, but there are some things I simply cannot mask. I have intense sensory issues, which affects my ability to wear most types of clothing and shoes. I also have a few stems that I can't conceal, that stand out socially that draw attention to myself that I am not comfortable with.

My whole life, people have constantly called me out on my wardrobe choices, and seem obsessed with how I dress, assuming it's a choice, not a neurological necessity which it is for me. Why the hell can't people just leave it alone? I dress professionally at work, and how I chose in my personal time, why do others always feel the need to comment on it and assume things about me that aren't true? For me, it's less than they don't beleive me, and more curiosity. Still, when I try to explain what is going on to others, they ask a bunch of questions and can't really understand my experience, and then come to strange conclusions about me that aren't true at all. Mostly, they underestimate the nature of my disability, or compare it to something offensive or mundane, diminish why experience, imply I'm exaggerating my needs and my disability, etc. I just assume not talk to people about it because they don't understand.

It feels like being gaslit about my disability. Which since it's invisible, is already very confusing. Strangers don't need to police us.