Spoiler Alert: You can’t.

At least not to people who are committed to misunderstanding you. (e.g. internet trolls, people who can’t comprehend that not everyone experiences life the same way they do…)

Growing up, I used to think “If only I knew how to explain myself clearly. Then people would finally understand me!”

Sadly, I learnt that sometimes it doesn’t matter how eloquent you are or how carefully you choose your words. Assholes acting in bad faith will twist your words to fit their preconceived view of you.

It has nothing to do with you. These assholes just want to feel that they are “better” than you. If you think about it, it only shows how insecure they are that they feel the need to put other people down.

I know how much it hurts to be misunderstood as an Autistic person. It’s hella frustrating.

The only solution I found is to save your energy from explaining yourself to bad-faith assholes (If they’re online, block them. If you know them IRL, try to limit your interactions with them.) and spend more time with people who understand or are open to hearing your perspective.

Remember: You deserve to take up space in this world, no matter how many people misunderstand you.