Please Don’t Decide Our Futures for Us

Autistic People Deserve Better Than These Assumptions

Every so often, a harmful assumption about autistic people makes its way into the spotlight. Recently, someone claimed autistic children will “never” go on dates or hold a job.

Whether that was said out of ignorance or fear, here’s the truth:

It’s not just hurtful — it’s wrong.

Let’s talk about why.

Where These Beliefs Come From

These kinds of comments often come from a narrow view of autism — a black-and-white idea that we’re either “barely autistic” or completely incapable. But autism is a spectrum. So are our strengths, challenges, and communication styles.

We’re not broken. We’re not tragic.

We’re fully human — and we deserve to be seen that way.

Yes, Autistic People Date — And Love Deeply

There’s a stereotype that autistic people can’t form romantic relationships. That’s false.

I’ve dated before. It looked different — one time, my date felt more comfortable bringing their mom, their friend, and even my mom along. So we all sat together. It felt more like a group dinner than a traditional date, but you know what? It was real. It was honest. It was us.

Autistic relationships might not look typical, but they are very much real.

Yes, We Work — When the Environment Works With Us

Another myth is that autistic people can’t hold jobs. The truth? Many of us work. And when we’re in environments that respect our needs and strengths, we excel.

We bring focus, creativity, honesty, and deep insight to the workplace.

What holds us back isn’t ability — it’s systems that weren’t designed for us.

Why These Myths Are Harmful

Even when people mean well, saying things like “you’ll never work or date” erases who we already are. It fuels fear. It limits potential. It silences our progress.

What Autistic People Actually Need

We don’t need pity.

We don’t need low expectations.

We need:

• 💬 Compassion instead of assumptions

• 👥 Representation instead of fear

• ✅ Support instead of limits

Final Thoughts

I’m autistic. I’ve worked. I’ve dated. I’ve learned from awkward moments, and I keep going.

Autistic people live full, meaningful lives — not “someday,” but right now.

Please stop deciding our future for us.

We’re already building it.

One honest, meaningful step at a time.