Jamesy wrote:
Why would autistic people be at a disadvantage in societies that put high value on personal independence?
Some wouldn't be, and some would be. Autistic people vary in how independent we are.
Many autistic people rely on others for help to meet basic needs. For example:
Autistic people who cannot work (or cannot work enough hours/week or in competitive jobs that would give them enough money to live on) rely on others for financial assistance, or for things like food, shelter and clothing. Autistic people who can work may need help to find a job and get hired, and may also need ongoing help to keep their job.
Autistic people who have trouble with/cannot manage money may rely on others to either help them with those things (e.g. advice/guidance and reminders) or need someone else to do those things for them (a trustee).
Autistic people who cannot drive nor take transit independently may depend on others to get around. Even autistic people who are able to take pubic transit independently may be at a disadvantage -- for example, some jobs require you to be able to drive, and some places have very limited public transit service or none at all.
Autistic people who have trouble with/cannot manage all their daily life tasks independently rely on others to help them with those things -- the level of support varies a lot.
I think most/all autistic people need help at least sometimes to successfully navigate social things, and many of us need help to figure out how to communicate things or to understand others.
In a culture where personal independence is highly valued, there might be less help available to those who need it, and people may be reluctant to accomodate those who are different. Also, some people might look down on anybody who needs help or accomodations....That's my take on it anyways.
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