#idk how to tag this but man. internalized ableism is a hell of a drug

[aqueeraphale]

Me at age 12, playing Pokemon Black And White for the Nintendo DS: man, N is such a nuanced and relatable character! he's one of my favorites!

Me at age 15, playing Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire for the Nintendo 3DS: wow, how did I never notice how many autistic things are woven into the worldbuilding of Pokemon! eye contact is considered aggressive, having an identity based around an interest or hobby is not only accepted but encouraged, loud lights and noises cause physical pain....

Me at age 18, playing Pokemon Sun and Moon for the Nintendo 3DS: well, N Harmonia very obviously has PTSD or CPTSD from the way he was raised, and the fact that he reads autistic in an already autisic-coded world is really something worth noting.

Me now, playing Pokemon Sword and Shield for the Nintendo Switch and having my annual "am I faking it" crisis, thinking about all this: