Yes to this. We absolutely need greater acceptance but autistics who work and are married, etc., have no business deciding for others what they should want. My 26 year old son is non-verbal, has a ton of anxiety and OCD, uncontrolled seizures, and a variety of other unpleasant issues. He will live with us until we are no longer able to care for him. He is extremely bright but can't tie his own shoes and needs supervision in the bathroom/shower. He can never be left alone. Who exactly thinks that is an ideal life and not a disability?

Perhaps because they are autistic, a lot of people who are largely functioning in mainstream life (with some struggles) don't seem to realize that not all autistics are like them. I've seen people like that repeatedly dismiss and discount my son's experiences and mine as a parent who has already spent close to a million dollars trying to support and care for my son. I'm lucky that I've had that to spend over the past twenty four years, but even so, it's been extremely challenging and difficult. I wouldn't wish it on anyone.

I love my son. I accept who he is. If nobody else had to struggle like this, I'd be more than happy. Thank you for being bold enough to speak this nuanced point of view.