For many years, my family believed I had autism. They treated me different, as if I was less than human, being constantly judged on every tiny thing I did. Every move, word, and facial expression. Eventually, I stayed quiet and locked myself away since I hated being judged constantly. I hated the humiliation. I watched others jealously as my peers could make the same errors I was allowed to and be forgiven.
Everyone else, all ages and walks, could be human and make little mistakes. I could not. I had to be perfect. Every single mistake, I was ashamed of and embarrassed.
Until I decided to challenge them.
Last year, I saw new doctors, all of which looked at me with a surprised look- "you have that?"
Earlier this year, I was admitted to a hospital due to weight loss. My doctor connected me with a professional, a doctor in mental health.
I explained to him what I felt and what happened over the years.
He looked at me after scribbling some stuff down.
"How could anyone think you have autism? They were treating the wrong thing."
"I was thinking the same thing." I sat there, waiting for an answer.
"Sir, what you have is Bipolar Disorder. We'll get treatment set up right away."
"Bipolar disorder? Is that serious?"
"Yes. Left untreated, it can be very messy. Its probably what brought you here. You are under a great amount of stress. I can see why you are so miserable."
"I'll say… I don't want to be in this despair anymore."
Okay, all that aside, the point is that people are people. Just because they have a disorder doesn't mean it merits you to mistreat them or put them under extreme scrutiny constantly. Yes, they do need help and treatment and they will need those little hints to help them. What's not acceptable is constantly getting on them about what they do wrong. There is a difference between humiliation and treatment.
If they do something very wrong or makes a big mistake ON PURPOSE, then handle them like everyone else.
If they do on accident and they are remorseful, then help them. Don't humiliate them.