Everything is used to divide, someone autistic will behave in ways that “other” him regardless of labels, and people who want to hate are going to keep hating.
You don’t need them, don’t use them, but they absolutely are helpful for many people. We are nowhere near a society inclusive enough to make labels obsolete.
Beside, dealing with people’s attitude isn’t the only issue. Neurodivergent people will compare themselves to others on their own, and will struggle with their self image and self-esteem. A diagnosis will help with understanding themselves and finding better strategies much quicker.
I’m happy you found your way and again, don’t use labels if you don’t want to. Start building the world you wish for, by all means.
You keep missing or ignoring the point that your experience is yours alone, other people find comfort, identity, community and understanding in their labels and that’s their right.
Labels are a tool, how they are used depends on the person but they don’t intrinsically imply either discrimination or lack of compassion. Be compassionate, we agree that’s the way, but as far as I’m concerned that includes letting people be with their labels when they want to, as long as they’re not being dicks about it.
I think we agree on the main point of wanting a more inclusive society, one that hopefully doesn’t need labels, eventually, but it doesn’t look likely it will happen soon, and as long as we live in this one each of us copes the way we can.
Happy holidays friend