#Temporarily Disable Instagram Account

[bluwavez]

LIKE WATER is the FIRST FULL ALBUM by soloist FINN LEE. It was released on AUGUST 19TH, 2024, by MyDol Entertainment. The album features nine tracks, including the lead singles "Mmmh" and "The Rizz, " which Finn would promote for six weeks. Mmmh would win twelve music show awards, while The Rizz would win seven. Mmmh would secure a Perfect All Kill just four hours after the album's release, making him the fastest MyDol soloist to achieve this.

Composing the album himself, Finn is the only credited producer and songwriter on the album, making this a first in DeepDive history. Typically, DeepDive members or Mydol artists will make appearances on each other's albums, but Finn had no one but himself listed in the credits of his songs besides J.SUNG, CLEE, and Dowon being listed as composers.

The only actual collaboration on the album is with Jellib member Minyoung on the song Dinner, which Finn also wrote and produced. When listing out his favorite songs on the album, he ranked Dinner third, right under Mmmh and The Rizz.

FIND MINYOUNG AT @ratedstar !

Finn talked in depth about the process of choosing his title tracks being a hard and strenuous one. He loved all the songs so much that he spent three days convincing Jinhwa to let him perform all the tracks on music shows at least once.

TRACK OO1. BAD BOY

TRACK OO2. Mmmh

TRACK OO3. Nothing On Me

TRACK OO4. Really Big–

TRACK OO5. The Rizz

TRACK OO6. Be Honest

TRACK OO7. Dinner Ft. Minyoung

TRACK OO8. Reason

TRACK OO9. Vanilla

"Working on this album was such a dream. Every time, I would make a song for it. I'd be in disbelief because, wow, this is my album. It felt amazing to make music for just myself. I'm so grateful." Finn explained during his debut showcase that the smile could not be wiped from his face for the entire show. He would also reveal that there were originally twelve tracks, but three were cut from the final version.

That didn't stop him from performing them, though! NO REGRETS, 200, and SMOKE were the three aforementioned unreleased tracks that Finn would perform at his showcase, leaving fans begging for official releases, even trending "RELEASE THE SONGS" and "WHERE'S SMOKE?" on Twitter.

"They'll come out one day. I'll make sure they're on the second album," Finn would say on a live stream, laughing obnoxiously before logging into his Roblox account to play Dress to Impress with fans, a favorite pastime of his.

IS THAT YOUR SONG? The Rizz sparked major in fighting with Sirens as the song initially belonged to Noah, slated to be on his now scrapped debut mini album. When the song was on Noah's album, he was credited as a writer and producer, but when the song was on Finn's album, Noah was nowhere to be seen. Noah fans, professionally known as nuchis, would absolutely riot at this and demand a statement from Finn, Noah, Mydol, or all three. The company stayed silent and so did Finn until a fan brought it up during a virtual fan sign, holding up a sign with the question, "Will you please address The Rizz controversy?" to which Finn simply shook his head and said "No, I can't. Sorry." and would urge the fan to change the subject, looking disinterested.

TROUBLED WATERS? The Rizz controversy would cause Sirens to look harder at the pictures posted by DeepDive regarding Finn's solo debut. Every member except Noah made a lengthy Instagram post to congratulate Finn on his solo debut and attend his debut showcase, and even their former member, Han, showed up to the showcase to show support for Finn. Noah never attended a single music show for Finn or even liked a photo of him during the Like Water promotions. Speculations began to swirl around that the two had beef, which proved more and more likely the longer promotions continued. Guppies, Finn's fanbase, would chalk this behavior up to Noah being bitter that Finn's solo debut actually came to fruition while he was shelved before release. Noah would have to temporarily disable comments on his social media posts due to the amount of hate he was getting from guppies despite never saying anything about the situation.

SHOULDN'T SHE BE IN PRISON? This scandal began after a new DeepDive stan posted a video of Lee Hyerim, longtime manager of DeepDive, fixing Finn's hair while at a fansign before patting his head like a dog, causing Finn to smile cutely. While the clip is cute on the surface, nunchis, seemingly on a mission to make this entire era about an entirely different member, would step in with receipts of Hyerim being creepy and predatory towards the boys all the way back to their debut in 2016. This thread would blow up, sparking mass discussions amongst K-pop fans about grooming, abuse of power, and Mydols negligence on the matter. So, of course, Twitter was a cesspool, and so was TikTok. Mydol, for once, released a statement on the matter, stating: "The allegations made against a Mydol staff member are baseless and will be met with legal ramifications if continued to be spread." Resulting in the thread, which reached a peak of 22k retweets and 67k likes, being deleted but not forgotten.

YOU CAN GET YOUR LIKE WATER PHOTOCARDS HERE!

˗ ˋ 🌊 WANNA GET THE LOOK ?!

[homoquartz]

Arab Israeli actress and news anchor, Lama Tatour, was fired from Channel 12 after taking to social media on Saturday criticizing the appearance of Noa Argamni, one of four hostages rescued from Hamas captivity after being kidnapped during the October 7 massacre.

"This what a girl that's been in captivity for nine months looks like?" Tatour said in Arabic on an Instagram post on Saturday.

Tatour added, "Look at her eyebrows, they look better than mine! Her skin! Her Nails! What is this? This is what innocent women and children are being killed for in Gaza?"

Tatour is presenter on "Perspectives" an Arabic language cultural show that airs on Saturday mornings.

In a statement, Keshet 12 denounced Tatour comments, saying, "We condemn the comments made by Lama Tatour on social media."

Khaled Natour, the show's producer, stated that "Tatour's comments are unacceptable and as a result her employment on the show has been terminated immediately "

Tatour's Instagram account has been temporarily disabled.

[dear-indies]

Thank you for all the wonderful work you do for the rpc, you’re a gem <3 Kind of nervous to message you so anon it is!

I wanted to add some context for Taz Skylar being added to the pro Israel list as the linked tweet doesn’t provide much information; regardless of how this is viewed, I think an overview of events is needed. He was raising money for charity on New Years Day via Instagram by doing a half Ironman triathlon challenge in Tenerife. He chose Red Cross+Red Crescent as he wanted to primarily raise money for migrants there and they have a hand in supporting them, which was mentioned in one of his Instagram posts. Over the course of the day while actively doing the challenge, his parents were handling his social media accounts and flagged with him that followers were pointing out that Red Cross is run by the British government and directly supports Israel; clarification: they’re an independent humanitarian organisation as part of the ICRC and IFRC which operates under a neutrality clause defined by the Geneva Conventions, with a presence in both Israel and Gaza for decades prior to the war. He mentioned a few times via live videos that he wasn’t raising money with the war in mind, but followers continued to ask about his stance on the war and to choose a different charity. He put up some explanatory posts both on Instagram and Twitter which were on the side of neutrality; as he was inevitably inundated with negative comments on these posts, he disabled comments but these spilled into unrelated posts which is how the blocking started. The posts were later deleted and he temporarily locked his accounts until fairly recently.

Hey anon. First and foremost please don't call it a "war" because it's genocide and there's no "prior to the war" there's only prior to when Isr*el colonised the land in 1948, massacring Palestinians to make way for their settlements. There's a reason the resistance exists.

Back to the ask, can you please link me to the comments he made? Because right now the only one I can find is him saying that having "different views" is ok and I can't find anything where he has a neutral stance. Either way, neutrality on a genocide is an evil stance. From the information I've got, it sounds like "people were being mean to me for picking a charity which also supports Isr*el and not picking a charity that only support Palestine." Also, the fact he posted the statement on "having different opinions" and not speaking up on Palestine when he's aware the the genocide is very telling but I hope I'm missing something.

Thank you and I'm looking forward to hearing back from you.

EDIT:

[bcofl0ve]

here’s an austin fix- something i put together for instagram on sunday but got the anon threat and temporarily disabled my account before i could post it LOL. i do want to do these regularly when things blow over.

[first-digi-add]

What is the Instagram Shadowban?

When a social network becomes not only a place to socialize but also sometimes the main source of income, profile access restrictions can seriously spoil the statistics. Read our blog if you want to know if your account is blocked and how to remove the ban without serious losses. A hidden ban (also called a stealth ban or ghost ban) is a term often used to describe when a social media company limits the organic scope of a user's account.

If you hire a Social Media Marketing Expert they can take care of your all pages of social media they know everything about how to deal with this type of update. 

How to Recognize a Shadowban on Instagram

Shadowbanning can have a negative impact on your marketing strategy because it reduces the number of followers and engagement. As a result, it is always critical to check to see if Instagram has shadowbanned your account. So, how can you tell if your Instagram account has been shadowbanned? The following are key methods for determining whether your account has a shadowban:

1. Tag Search

A hashtag search is a simplest and most effective way to see if your account has been shadowbanned. When doing hashtag research, start by posting to your account and remember to use a hashtag in the post.

In particular, use a unique hashtag to make it easier to verify your post in search results. Then, ask at least five of your friends who do not follow your account to search for the hashtag. If the hashtag doesn't appear in the results, it's likely that Instagram has shadowbanned your account.

2. Use Instagram Analytics

Instagram analytics is also one of the most effective and dependable methods for detecting a shadowban on your account. This mechanism allows you to analyze profile visits, impressions, and additional metrics to see any issues.

These metrics will help you notice any sudden drops in your audience engagement rate. Although the drop in engagement rate is not a significant telltale sign, it does provide a bit of advice to signal a shadowban on your account.

3. Use Shadowban Testing Tools

The  Heist and Triberr are the best tools for analyzing your post and detecting any potential shadowbans. The tools can also reveal the specific hashtag of your shadowbanned account. The tools can help you identify shadowbanning on your account by highlighting or marking shadowbanned hashtags in red.

6 Ways to Avoid an Instagram Shadowban

1. Don't break the community guidelines

2. Don't act like a bot

3. Be consistent

4. Do not use prohibited hashtags

How to Remove a Shadowban on Instagram

1. Delete the Post that Shadowbanned you

If your shadowban occurred immediately after your last post, try removing it to see if your engagement returns to normal for your next posts.

2. Remove All Hashtags from Recent Posts

Does this work alone? Probably not, it's quick and easy. Remove all hashtags from your recent posts from the last 3-7 days.

3. Stop Posting for a Few Days

Some users say that this kind of "reset" their account and deleted a shadowban. Take a two to three-day break from all Instagram content, including Stories and Reels.

4. Check your Hashtags

Look up each of the hashtags you use to see if they have been banned or restricted. If so, stop using them and delete them from all your recent posts. You can take suggestion about the trending hashtag from Digital Marketing Agency in Pune they help you to find the best strategies for your account and pages

5. Go All-in on the Reels

We know Instagram prioritizes Reels right now. Posting Reels will increase your followers and engagement. So, push yourself and post one Reel a day for a few weeks. And, well, reels are always a good idea anyway. Get inspired by these Reel ideas that anyone can make in a short amount of time.

6. Deactivate and Reactivate your Instagram Account

Some users report that temporarily disabling their account for 1-2 days fixed a shadowban. There is no objective evidence that this works, so proceed with caution. Be sure to use the disable feature, which is reversible. It is not the same thing as deleting your account, which is not permitted.

[getfast]

How to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account: A Step-by-Step Guide

Social media has become an integral part of modern life, connecting us with friends, family, and communities worldwide. However, there may come a time when you decide it's best to step away from these platforms, whether to protect your privacy, regain time for other pursuits, or simply take a digital detox. If you're considering how to permanently delete Instagram, this guide will walk you through the process, ensuring that you understand the steps and consequences.

Why Delete Your Instagram Account?

Before diving into the how-to, it's important to reflect on why you might want to delete your account. Some common reasons include:

Privacy Concerns: Increasing concerns about data privacy and how social media platforms use personal information.

Mental Health: Social media can sometimes negatively impact mental health, contributing to feelings of anxiety, depression, or inadequacy.

Time Management: Reducing time spent on social media can free up time for more productive activities.

Digital Detox: Taking a break from digital interactions to focus on offline experiences.

Important Considerations Before Deleting

Before you learn how to permanently delete Instagram, keep in mind:

Data Loss: Deleting your account will result in the permanent loss of all your posts, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers. Ensure you have backups of any content you want to keep.

Username Availability: Once your account is deleted, your username becomes available for use by others. If you decide to return to Instagram later, your old username may not be available.

No Recovery: A permanent deletion means there is no way to recover your account or its contents once the process is complete.

How to Download Your Data?

If you want to keep a copy of your Instagram data before deletion, you can request a download of your information. Here's how:

Log into Instagram: Open the Instagram app or go to the Instagram website and log in to your account.

Navigate to Settings: Tap on your profile picture, then go to the settings menu.

Request Data Download: Under the "Security" or "Privacy" section, find "Download Data" or "Data Download." Enter your email address and request your data.

Check Your Email: Instagram will email you a link to download your data. This process can take up to 48 hours.

Steps to Permanently Delete Your Instagram Account

Once you've saved any data you want to keep, follow these steps on how to permanently delete Instagram:

Visit the Delete Your Account Page: Instagram does not allow account deletion from within the app. You must go to the Delete Your Account page on a web browser.

Log In: If you're not already logged in, enter your username and password.

Select a Reason: You will be asked to select a reason for deleting your account from a dropdown menu. Choose the most appropriate option.

Re-enter Your Password: For security reasons, you will need to re-enter your password.

Permanently Delete: Click the "Permanently delete my account" button. Your account and all associated data will be deleted.

What Happens After Deletion?

Once you've deleted your account, Instagram will remove all your data from its servers. This process is irreversible. If you change your mind, you will need to create a new account.

Final Thoughts

Permanently deleting your Instagram account is a significant decision, and it's important to consider all the implications before proceeding. Whether you're doing it for privacy reasons, mental health, or just to take a break, ensuring you have backups of important data and fully understanding the consequences is crucial.

Remember, if you're not ready for a permanent break, Instagram also offers options to temporarily disable your account, which hides your profile and content but allows you to reactivate it later.

By taking these steps thoughtfully, you can make the best decision for your digital well-being. Now that you know how to permanently delete Instagram, you can proceed with confidence, knowing you've made an informed choice.

[growinstablog]

Here’s how to delete or deactivate your Instagram account

Welcome to TNW Basics, a collection of tips, guides, and advice on how to easily get the most out of your gadgets, apps, and other stuff.

Tired of Facebook too? We’ve got a guide for that.

Social platforms like Instagram walk a fine line between being handy and consuming your whole life. Whether your screen time notification says you’ve spent a horrendous amount of time on your phone today, or you just don’t feel the need to share every inch of your life on an app anymore — it might be time to finally pull the plug on your online life and delete your account temporarily… or forever.

If you think now’s the time to cure your Instagram addiction, you can decide to deactivate your account or delete it off the face of the earth permanently. 

But if you’re still on the fence about deleting your Insta for good, you have the option to simply deactivate your account. If you decide to go with this temporary measure, your profile, photos, comments, and likes will be entirely hidden — but if you log back on, your activity will be restored.

If you decide to delete your account forever, your profile, photos, videos, comments, likes, and followers will vanish as though they were never there. And be warned: it’s impossible to reactivate a deleted account. 

Also, the chances are, that if you decide to one day re-register on the platform, you may not be able to have the same username as another account could’ve taken it — so be ready to wave good-bye to AwesomeRippedDude69.

I just want to deactivate my Instagram, but where do I begin?

To temporarily delete your Instagram account and its content, here’s how you do it:

On your desktop, visit the Instagram website and log into your account.

Navigate to your profile page and click ‘Edit Profile.’

Select ‘Temporarily disable my account’ at the bottom of the page.

Open the drop-down menu next to ‘Why are you disabling your account?’ and select the option most relevant to you.

When prompted, re-enter your Instagram password.

Finally, select ‘Temporarily disable account.’

  If you decide you want to take more permanent steps, consider downloading your Instagram content beforehand, which includes a copy of everything you’ve ever uploaded to the platform including photos, videos, comments, and your profile information. 

To download your Instagram activity, follow this link, enter your password, and select the ‘Request Download’ button. According to Instagram, it can take up to 48 hours to receive your data which is sent to your chosen email address. 

I want to permanently delete my Instagram account

Big decisive action, good on you! Similarly to permanently deleting your Facebook account, make sure this is what you want to do since it’s an irreversible step. But if you’re sure you don’t need Instagram to get through the day, follow these steps:

On your desktop, visit the Instagram website and log into your account.

Follow this link, which takes you to the ‘Delete Your Account’ page.

Open the drop-down menu next to ‘Why are you deleting your account?’ and choose the option most relevant to you.

When prompted, re-enter your Instagram password.

Finally, select ‘Permanently delete my account.’

And you’re done. Goodbye Instagram… forever. 

There’s a deep pool of social networking sites out there, but most don’t make it as tricky to delete your account for good. If you’re wondering how to delete you account on other social sites, head to their FAQs page or search on Google for an easy guide.

https://growinsta.xyz/heres-how-to-delete-or-deactivate-your-instagram-account/

[doesnortonvpnstartautomatically]

do vpn work with instagram app

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VPN compatibility with Instagram app

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, can be a useful tool for enhancing your online privacy and security while using the Instagram app. However, there are some considerations regarding VPN compatibility with the app that you should keep in mind.

First and foremost, using a VPN with Instagram can help protect your data and online activities from potential threats such as data breaches or surveillance. By encrypting your internet connection and masking your IP address, a VPN can help safeguard your personal information while browsing through the app.

But when it comes to compatibility, there may be instances where using a VPN could raise some issues with accessing certain app features or content. Instagram has been known to block or restrict access to accounts that show suspicious activities, which could include logging in from multiple locations through a VPN server. This could potentially trigger Instagram's security mechanisms and lead to your account being temporarily locked or disabled.

Furthermore, using a VPN may also result in slower connection speeds while using the Instagram app, especially if the VPN server you are connected to is geographically distant from your actual location. This could lead to longer loading times for posts, stories, or live videos on the app.

In conclusion, while a VPN can provide added security and privacy benefits for using Instagram, it is important to be aware of the potential compatibility issues that may arise. It is recommended to use a reputable VPN service and ensure that you are abiding by Instagram's terms of service to avoid any disruptions in your app experience.

Instagram app VPN functionality

Instagram app VPN functionality is a feature that allows users to access the social media platform through a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN essentially creates a secure connection to another network over the Internet, enabling users to browse the web more privately and securely.

By utilizing a VPN while using the Instagram app, users can enhance their privacy and security while browsing the platform. VPNs encrypt users' data, making it more difficult for hackers or other malicious entities to access their personal information. This is especially important considering the amount of personal data shared on social media platforms like Instagram.

Moreover, using a VPN with the Instagram app can also help users bypass geographical restrictions or censorship. Certain countries or regions may block access to social media platforms like Instagram, but with a VPN, users can connect to servers in different locations and access the app as if they were in a different country.

Another benefit of using a VPN with the Instagram app is the ability to protect sensitive information while using public Wi-Fi networks. Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecure, making it easier for cybercriminals to intercept data. By using a VPN, users can ensure that their data remains encrypted and secure while using the Instagram app on public Wi-Fi.

In conclusion, utilizing a VPN with the Instagram app offers users an added layer of security, privacy, and accessibility. Whether it's protecting personal information, bypassing geographical restrictions, or securing data on public Wi-Fi networks, the VPN functionality can enhance the overall Instagram experience for users who prioritize privacy and security.

VPN effectiveness for Instagram usage

Using a VPN for accessing Instagram can be an effective way to enhance your online privacy and security while using the social media platform. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, works by encrypting your internet connection and routing it through a remote server, thereby hiding your IP address and location. This can be particularly useful for Instagram users who want to protect their personal information and browsing activity from potential hackers, data breaches, or government surveillance.

By using a VPN for Instagram, you can also bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your region. This can be helpful if you want to view certain Instagram profiles, stories, or posts that are only available in specific countries. Additionally, a VPN can help prevent your internet service provider or network administrators from monitoring your Instagram usage, giving you more privacy and control over your online activities.

Furthermore, using a VPN can protect your data from being intercepted by cybercriminals when using public Wi-Fi networks, such as in cafes, airports, or hotels. This added layer of security can prevent unauthorized access to your Instagram account and sensitive information, reducing the risk of identity theft or account hijacking.

Overall, incorporating a VPN into your Instagram usage can enhance your online security and privacy, allowing you to browse the platform anonymously and securely. However, it's essential to choose a reputable VPN service provider that prioritizes user privacy and does not log your online activities to fully maximize the benefits of using a VPN for Instagram.

Instagram app and VPN integration

In recent years, Instagram has emerged as one of the leading social media platforms, boasting over a billion active users worldwide. With its emphasis on visual content and engagement, it has become a crucial tool for individuals and businesses alike to connect with their audience. However, concerns about privacy and security have also grown, leading many users to seek solutions like VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) to enhance their online protection.

Integrating a VPN with the Instagram app offers several benefits, primarily in safeguarding user data and enhancing privacy. By encrypting internet traffic, VPNs create a secure tunnel between the user's device and the internet, preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information. This encryption is particularly valuable when using public Wi-Fi networks, where hackers may attempt to intercept data transmissions.

Moreover, VPNs can also help bypass geo-restrictions and censorship, allowing users to access Instagram content that may be blocked in their region. This is particularly useful for travelers or individuals living in countries with stringent internet regulations.

Another advantage of integrating a VPN with Instagram is the ability to mask one's IP address, enhancing anonymity online. This can be beneficial for users who wish to maintain privacy and avoid tracking by advertisers or other third parties.

However, it's essential to choose a reputable VPN provider and understand the potential limitations. While VPNs offer increased security and privacy, they may also impact internet speed and performance, depending on the server location and network congestion.

In conclusion, integrating a VPN with the Instagram app can be a valuable strategy for enhancing privacy, security, and access to content. By taking proactive measures to protect their online presence, users can enjoy a safer and more enjoyable experience on this popular social media platform.

VPN performance on Instagram app

Virtual Private Networks (VPN) have become increasingly popular for users seeking enhanced security and privacy while using social media apps like Instagram. However, using a VPN can sometimes affect the performance of the Instagram app.

VPN services work by encrypting internet traffic and routing it through a remote server, which can result in slower internet speeds due to the additional encryption and data transfer processes. This can lead to slower loading times for images and videos on the Instagram app, as well as potential lags in browsing and scrolling through the feed.

Additionally, some VPN servers may be located far away from the user's actual location, causing latency issues that can impact the overall performance of the app. Users may experience delays in uploading posts, sending messages, or loading stories while using a VPN.

It is important to note that the impact of a VPN on Instagram performance can vary depending on the specific VPN service, server location, and internet connection speed. Some premium VPN providers offer faster servers and optimized performance for streaming and social media apps, which can help minimize any negative effects on the Instagram experience.

In conclusion, while using a VPN can enhance security and privacy on Instagram, it may also lead to reduced performance and slower internet speeds. Users should weigh the trade-off between privacy and performance when deciding whether to use a VPN while using the Instagram app.

[dead-potato-monster]

i temporarily disabled one of my instagram accounts and i think i’m going through withdrawal or something. 

[goddessofwisdom18]

update to my excitement, instagram just kicked me out of my art account for "automated behavior" (??), i changed my password and was able to get back in but now i'm nervous that anything i do will get me restricted or even disabled. being permanently disabled would literally grieve me like the loss of a friend given that i've had this account since the 8th grade, it was given to me by a friend who i'm no longer in contact with, and it's my only archive for all of my digital art since 2015, but even just being temporarily restricted would break my heart because I WOULD MISS LUCIEN WEEK??! please instagram pls don't kick me again pls don't restrict me. "automated behavior" girl i barely know how to download a font without giving myself a virus i promise i'm not committing data scraping or whatever the fuck ur scared of

genuinely cannot get over the fact that my two favorite characters in all of acotar have their weeks the same month as my birthday. there is no better 22nd birthday gift for me then getting to see a bunch of new lucien and mor fanwork

[executorofwillandestate]

How To Delete Someone’s Instagram Account?

Learn how to how to delete someones Instagram account or memorialize an Instagram account when someone dies with step by step guide.

[login-helps-blog1]

Are you tired of using the Instagram account or want to create a new account by deleting your Instagram account? IF you want to do the same, click on the link and know the procedures to delete your Instagram account.

[pankajvermasblog-blog]

If you want to know how to delete instagram account permanently then read this full article...

[my-darling-boy]

Genuinely asking, isn't self-diagnose with a condition kind of dangerous? Because legitimizing self-diagnosing opens a door to many malicious people who would want to exploit the fact they can self-diagnose? And in turn, make the space of autistic people worse?

Was going to skip this, but I’m writing a LONG response because I’m VERY exhausted with the amount of misinformation I see on this “self dx is dangerous” take, so buckle up and allow me to info dump.

Recently, authentic_autism_advocacy, an Instagram account run by a supposed medically diagnosed autistic woman was discovered to be a non-autistic woman, Connie Manning, posing as a medically diagnosed autistic person to spread hate and anti-self diagnosing speech. In reality, she is a neurotypical mother who regularly uses her autistic son for clout; she also turned out to have a hand behind CalmWear, a brand of sensory compression products designed for disabled people. Not only had she been spewing hatred towards other autistic people, she had been accusing well known AFAB autistic tiktokers like beckspectrum of faking being autistic and threatening self diagnosed autistics and saying they are a danger to the community, and engaging in other incredibly discriminating behaviour. Yes, she herself was a neurotypical person posing as a medically diagnosed autistic to perpetuate hateful rhetoric about self diagnosed people and used her voice to speak OVER autistic folk for financial gain and exploitation of autistic people, including her own son. If you want to read this roller coaster of a story, an autistic person wrote an entire article on it with tons of screenshots and sources.

So let me make one thing clear to you.

The purpose of actually, genuinely self diagnosing is not done to attract attention or to parade around and exploit other autistic people. Self diagnosed autistic individuals have recognised due to difficult life circumstances, financial hardship, bigotry and stigma within the medical/legal world, being a minor, lack of insurance, lack of proper access to safe care facilities, being denied assessment due to incompetent or biased practitioners, and/or any other obstacle that they may temporarily or permanently be barred from diagnosis. Self diagnosis does NOT instantly mean a person is posing for clout, nor does it indicate a person is trying to wring money from assistance services or exploit other autistics. And nts who use self diagnose with intentions of harming the community? That’s NOT self diagnosis, that’s abuse of something meant to aid people blocked from medical care or financial means to that care. All we can do for autistic people, no matter who we perceive them to be, is treat them the same way we would any other autistic person. Because the moment you start deciding by your own book who deserves respect and who doesn’t, you’ll be on a slippery slope to locking out thousands of autistic people from the community. If it’s discovered a person like Connie is literally abusing the system of self dx to intentionally mislead the community, by all means, we must hold them accountable. But you cannot simply go about granting and revoking access from people just because someone lacks a diagnosis or doesn’t fit your idea of what being autistic looks like, especially if it’s based on stereotypes.

Moral of the story? Isn’t it ironic how anti-self dx people will 100% believe a user who claims to be medically diagnosed but shows no “written proof” of it, yet always demand written proof from a self dx person? It’s almost like even anti-self dx people can’t tell the difference between someone who is medically diagnosed autistic and someone who isn’t. Well, that’s because they can’t. While there might be common traits, autism has no set model, it is a spectrum, no autistic person is alike; Policing self diagnosed people about their self diagnosis isn’t a form of protecting the community. It’s a form of gatekeeping. If you find yourself granting instant acceptance, without asking for proof, to a person insisting they are medically diagnosed like this neurotyical mother, but then prohibit self dx people from entry entirely on the grounds of not showing proof of medical assessment, you are upholding a double standard. This is why policing autistic people’s diagnosis, self or not, is inherently useless.

So here’s the thing... instead of asking people to stop self diagnosing, what you should instead be asking yourself is, “Why do people self diagnose? What kind of medical system could possibly be in place where people feel they need to resort to self diagnosis rather than get an actual diagnosis?”

Well, it’s mainly common knowledge among most of the autistic community that diagnosis is NOT easy to come by.

One of the main reasons why people cannot get a diagnosis is due to financial/insurance reasons. It’s reasonable to estimate that by the end of 2020 almost 30 million Americans alone were without health insurance. I’ve heard costs out of pocket for an autism diagnosis are between $500-$6000. If a person or a family cannot afford health insurance—which by the way on average is around $5,400 a year for a single person and $13,800 for a family here—where are they supposed to pull out $6,000 to get screened?

You might be asking, “Well aren’t insurances supposed to cover disability?” Sure, there are options for disability care through health insurance—not even going to get into that—but like a lot of things in the US, this is a severely flawed system. A lot of private health insurance will stop or limit coverage for an autism diagnosis or assistance services once a person reaches 18 to 21 years old. In most states, coverage has a higher chance of being denied to autistic adults coming with the added age cap or ONLY covering ABA, an abusive, manipulative “therapy” used to force social compliance and trait suppression on autistic people. The fact that ABA, a conversion therapy, is covered, but little else, shows exactly what insurance companies think of autistic people: they’ll only cover us if we want to learn to be “normal”. This can leave many undiagnosed autistic adults who cannot afford analysis, insurance, or safe assistance services with nowhere to turn. If I was not on my parents’ insurance, there is NO WAY I would EVER be able to afford a diagnosis. I don’t have $2,000 lying around. The MONEY ALONE would prohibit me from getting a diagnosis, no matter how many autistic traits I presented.

When I was going through this system years ago to start a diagnosis, I was shocked to find no therapist within three hours of me was accepting adult patients. “Up to 18 only” their websites would say. And in the event I had found one (1) that accepted me as a then 20 year old with X insurance, and that person refused me diagnosis, I would be out of options unless I planned a 5 hour drive which may have also led me to another biased screener. A person seeking self financed assessment can waste thousands of dollars therapist hopping.

People will say, “Well I live in X place, and where I come from, it’s covered!” Well the reality is that everyone in the world does not live where you live. It’s not realistic to assume everyone is in the same position as you or your family to afford care or access the same resources as you. When you say, “Just go out and get a diagnosis! It’s not that hard!”, understand you are speaking from your personal vantage point where screening may be easily accessed or easily covered/is free OR you have no personal knowledge of what that process is like yourself.

The second thing that bars a ton of people from being diagnosed is the fact that when autism was first discovered, its research was HEAVILY centered on white, cis, heterosexual men. The idea that autistic people are ONLY cis, white, heterosexual men carries on to this day. If you are an outlier to this stereotype, your chances of being misdiagnosed with something else or refused diagnosis skyrocket because so-called “professionals” don’t know how to observe traits in any other person besides a cis, white, heterosexual man, and refuse/fail to recognise the endless ways in which a person can be autistic. ALL the time I hear how AFAB people will go in to get screened only to find out their screener does not believe AFAB people can be autistic, because yes, sexism and anti-lgbtq+ ideas play a huge role in the incredibly outdated diagnostic process, because autism is still believed to be an “AMAB only” thing. People report going into a therapists office and being asked questions like, “Do you like going outside? Do you like having friends?” and being told that if you agree with either of these, you cannot be autistic because criteria at some places is so backwards, you can’t even say you enjoy conversation without failing the test. Other things commonly heard during the analysis are screeners telling someone they are too smart/articulate to be autistic, gas lighting them by saying they are mistaking their symptoms for something else/making them up, telling a person they seem normal, dismissing clear autistic traits by saying they’re unique “superpowers”, or intentionally misdiagnosing a person as ADHD INSTEAD of autistic. People on social media have also pointed out what influences racism has on the diagnostic process as well and how lack of research and understanding of autistic POC contributes to under-diagnosis and stigma has only contributed to refusal of care and under-representation of POC in the disabled community, as one autistic Black woman points out on Instagram, “I found excellent articles that support and validate my feelings and experiences, but I could find no research on autistic Black people.” Additionally, because research has primarily been done on young men, this means anyone who is not a cis man and is over the age of 18 and is seeking a diagnosis has a much higher chance of not receiving one because screeners don’t understand how autistic traits may present differently in adults, especially since adults are very likely to mask. Some autism screeners are so against autism they have told clients they would only diagnosis a person autistic if it was their last resort to avoid “placing a burden on their shoulders”. These reasons are largely responsible for why autism is incredibly mis/under-diagnosed. This ask would be the length of a novel if I included every single type of discrimination and mistreatment during the evaluation process alone, but understand it can be incredibly biased, sexist, transphobic, racist, or just flat out ableist. And guess what? Though this process can take as little as a month to get sorted, that is rare. The assessment SHOULD be very short. But a lot of autistic people have reported their diagnosis took more than 2-4 years because of having to waste time, energy, and money hopping from therapist to therapist looking for someone to take them seriously, as many autistic people compiled on the actuallyautistictiktoks page on Instagram point out.

The last thing I want to touch on is this idea that people have that self diagnosing is dangerous. “What if someone self diagnoses and they take advantage of services that are meant for autistic people?” ...The Big Things you think I am going to take advantage of as a self diagnosed autistic person, like scholarship money for instance or SSDI, I do not have legal access to without a formal diagnosis. I cannot waltz into a law firm and ask for a $5,000 scholarship for autistic people without a diagnosis, because they WILL NOT give it to me!

Let me tell you some of things I’ve “cruelly taken advantage of” as a self diagnosed autistic person. I bought glasses with blue light protection, because screen and fluorescent lighting at work and even natural blue toned light from the sky lowers my threshold for some sensory input like noise and social interaction; wearing them to work everyday has improved my sensory thresholds incredibly. I’ve talked to my manager and told him I’m autistic and that I have a hard time understanding vague direction and may need to step away briefly on occasion to tend to a shutdown before a meltdown comes on at work; he had no problem with this. I use subtitles; sometimes I have trouble processing audio or reading facial expressions and tone, and being able to see the words displayed on the screen gives me a significantly better understanding of what I watch. All my life, I have been having meltdowns which I had mistaken for mental breakdowns or panic attacks and having access to resources that walked me through preventative methods and tips on what to do if I have one has been ENORMOUSLY helpful to me. All my life, I was trying to deal with them thinking they were something else; becoming aware of this and accepting that they are in fact autistic meltdowns has helped me not only go through them, but has helped me redirect stims which at their worst previously had me hitting and clawing my arms, slapping my face, and even hitting my head. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to wait 4 years for a diagnosis to use resources I could be using to make my life more accessible right now!

People will say, “Oh well yeah, I don’t mean You are one of Those Types of self diagnosed autistic people, you clearly sound/look autistic, I’m talking about other people.” The thing is, there is no broad “sounding/looking autistic”, that’s stereotyping, and you can’t demand everyone who interacts with you show you their Autistic Card, because again, not everyone is able to be diagnosed, especially given the mistreatment and stigma present towards autistic people in the medical field! And what made you ask for their diagnosis? Because they “don’t seem autistic” to you? Why didn’t you ask for their diagnosis? Because they “seemed autistic” to you? By denying anyone who doesn’t have a diagnosis resources they may very well need, you are denying assistance to thousands of people who are without means to be diagnosed. And I am SO tired of seeing comments online on self diagnosis posts that “people don’t know what they’re taking about” as if they know us personally, like are you me? Are you my doctor I’ve consulted? Did you watch me academically research and consult with other autistic people about being autistic for over 3 years? I’m tired of “well, one time a self diagnosed person laughed at my actually autistic diagnosed friend...so all self dx people are evil” because there is ZERO correlation between a person being self assessed and their behavior towards a non self assessed person. The fact both those arguments are in use whenever self dx comes up is yet another form of gatekeeping.

Self diagnosing autism is not begging for attention or Evil Criminal Money Funneling Schemes. It is a result of a deeply flawed medical and insurance system that has failed to give proper attention and care to those who need it, it is a result of resources not made available, of safe support systems not there for kids and adults alike. You want to talk about what’s truly dangerous? How the hate group Autism Speaks has been parading itself around since 2005 as an advocacy group for autistic people and has been misusing millions of dollars worth of donation money and promoting stigma and hatred around autistic people; no autistic members are present on their board. How Sia and her new film Music was nominated for 2 Golden Globes despite it replacing the original autistic actor with a neurotypical actor, using offensive stereotypes, and using the main autistic character as a prop, and featured an extremely dangerous bodily restraint scene on an autistic person having a meltdown in public and featured very insensitive content due to Sia’s lack of consulting with autistic people to make the film (spoilers in that article).

Instead of policing autistic people, whether they fit your idea of what an autistic person is or not, redirect your efforts and your energy to dismantling systems and holding others accountable for perpetuating harmful stereotypes about autistic people that are legitimately dangerous on such a scale that they have created insurmountable damage to the autistic community. But I guarantee you, worrying over whether your classmate is “faking it” will not do any justice to the decades worth of discrimination autistic people face still today.

I understand. You care about the community, you don’t want autistic people to be exploited or taken advantage of. I don’t want to be exploited and taken advantage of as an autistic person, and I don’t want that for others! But I also understand that when we self proclaim ourselves as judges of random autistic strangers on the internet or start accusing people of faking or demanding to see medical paperwork from people when the basis of our suspicions is “this person doesn’t look like my stereotyped view on how I think an autistic person should act”, THAT is when you really run into trouble. Because if you are allowed to deny self dx people entrance into the autistic community, what’s stopping you from thinking you have the power to deny ANYONE entrance into that community?

And there is power in self diagnosis for many autistic people. When the evaluation system is literally rigged to set you up for failure and put you through unnecessary hardship, self dx is a self affirming, empowering tool to take back control from a process designed to gaslight and crush you. The evaluation process was NOT formulated by an autistic person, nor was it made to be inclusive of all autistic people. Until the evaluation system in place for autistic people is safe, accessible, and free to ALL, you have EVERY right to self diagnose.

[byelacey]

hey everyone! just a heads up—i’m not sure how much longer this blog has left, as i moved a few months ago and changed my phone number, and the 2FA codes to log in still go to my old number. tumblr can’t disable 2FA for me, and i can’t disable it on mobile (the only place i’m still logged in, thanks to tumblr temporarily deleting my blog yesterday) so as soon as mobile logs me out, i’ll be locked out of the blog forever.

you can follow me on twitter and instagram under the same handle, and i’ve also made a side blog @fluffermckitty for animorphs fan content that isn’t attached to this account at all.

hopefully tumblr makes it so you can disable 2FA from mobile before i’m locked out of this blog because i like it a whole bunch and was real sad when it went poof yesterday.