I heard someone talking about me but she didn’t know I was behind her.

I got out of my biology lecture and as I was walking to the next class, a girl I’m in a group project with for lab was talking about me with her friend.

She said that there is a girl in her lab group (me) who is so slow. That I always ask questions and that I am constantly asking for help. Then emphasized again how she has never had to work with someone so stupid and that this is why she hates group projects.

I also have ADHD and dyscalculia, with the most math heavy and overall difficult portion of the lab project. I didn’t ask to switch anyone because I don’t feel like disclosing my disabilities. Or using them as an “excuse” to get an easier role. I already know that they dislike me.

Then her and her friend proceeded to laugh about me. And I had an exam in the disability resource office right afterward so I just left I didn’t even let her know I was behind her. I had to sit for the exam probably 3 minutes after being called slow for the first time in my life.

I recognize my privilege for being able to go to college and even type this post out. I know that autism is a spectrum and that I am very blessed, for that, I am thankful. But I have not had my feelings hurt like that in a while.