Whenever people find out that I work with autistic kids, or special education in general, I often get a "wow, you must have the patience of a saint, I could never do that" or something close to it. And I know they mean well by it, but I do think it kind of betrays what they really think about autism and special needs. And I can't help but wonder if they would still say that if they knew I was autistic, too. I almost want to say "well you don't seem to have any problem dealing with me". It just strikes me as a really odd compliment sometimes.