Originally Posted by Martian

Questions are better than being treated like a freak. I think most folks are fairly forgiving of children who transgress such social boundaries precisely because young children don't generally understand the need for such inhibitions. The adults who make an issue out of all proportion to the actual disability are the ones who tend to be more offensive, despite (or perhaps because of) trying so hard not to.

My 'disability' is not visual in nature, so I don't have to deal with this. On the other hand, I am very open about it. I have no problem answering questions or clarifying things, although I do occasionally have to disclaim that some of the symptoms and side effects are things that are not generally considered polite conversation. Sympathy grates on my nerves, because it makes me feel as though I'm somehow less of a person. It is frankly degrading, and I can't even imagine how much worse it would be if my abnormality were on display for all to see.

Of course, those who know me are aware that I have been dealing with people with disabilities for most of my life, so I'm perhaps more accustomed to such things. Had I been more sheltered it might be something more remarkable to me, but for the most part I find that aside from an initial acknowledgement and occasional situations where I am conscious of potential issues or hazards (wheelchairs and steps, for example) I am able to disregard such things.

Frankly, I find those with disabilities or disfigurements to be generally much more courageous and virtuous than the general population. They know that they're different, they know people react to that first, and they do the best they can to deal with that and be okay with it. This is my experience.