They say there’s an autism “epidemic.” We say: there’s finally a name for what’s always been here. This piece isn’t here to educate pseudoscientists or calm conspiracy theorists. It’s a record. A reclamation. A reminder that autistic people don’t owe anyone an explanation—and we certainly don’t need your mother-blaming, McNugget-fuelled theories. We were autistic before you had a word for it. And we’re not asking for your permission now.