NEUTRALIZING NARCISSISM
When “Autism” Masks a Toxic Appetite: A Case Study in Narcissistic Manipulation
When Neurodiversity Becomes a Mask for Manipulation
A chilling exploration of how narcissists weaponize neurodiversity to control and exploit others, and how to recognize the red flags before it’s too late.
In the realm of online communities, where personas are curated and authenticity is often elusive, a new form of manipulation has emerged: the weaponization of neurodiversity.
Jane, a prominent member of a vibrant online forum, had cultivated a persona centered around her “autistic cuisine,” a unique and eclectic culinary style that she attributed to her neurodivergence. Her posts, filled with quirky food combinations and unconventional recipes, garnered attention and sympathy, creating a devoted following who admired her creativity and resilience.
However, beneath this carefully crafted facade, a darker truth lurked. Jane’s “autistic cuisine” was not just a culinary expression, but a mask, a tool used to manipulate and control those around her.
The red flags were subtle at first. Jane would use her self-proclaimed autism as a shield against criticism, deflecting any challenges to her behavior as a…
