• I worked closely with disabled people for two and a half years and found our ASD-diagnosed clients by far the most interesting people, although in my opinion the 'diagnosis' is fundamentally confused between developmental aspects (e.g., mental health difficulties owing to being unable to 'fit in'/come to terms with one's own strengths and weaknesses/finding the right path in life etc.), and the congenital aspects, e.g. that famous lack of flexibility, which can manifest itself in all sorts of different ways.

    In my view, it is fundamentally necessary that some people in society have the strengths and weaknesses that are associated with ASD, however vague and misdiagnosed. Some people may be more extreme than moderate, but it is good and necessary that they're around, as they can do jobs that others can't do.

    And a proper underlying epistemology will be needed to explain why some people are a certain way--this should be unifying and explain why none of us can be categorically separated from others, but all need acceptance even if they may not have that much in common with most of the people they know. The less stigma there is, the better.

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