discernment

noun

Etymology: From Middle French discernement, equivalent to discern + -ment.

1. The act of distinguishing between things.
2. The ability to distinguish between things.
3. The ability to perceive differences that exist.
4. The condition of understanding.
5. Aesthetic discrimination; taste, appreciation.
6. Perceptiveness.
7. The ability to make wise judgements; sagacity.
8. Discretion in judging objectively.

   “Unmasking requires we stop relying on neurotypical people’s acceptance in order to guide how we should act—and that means sometimes doing the “right” thing even when we know it will rub others the wrong way. Most masked Autistics need a lot of practice developing a strong sense of discernment, which is essentially using our own beliefs and perceptions to guide our behavior, rather than deferring to everyone else’s fleeting reactions and impressions.”