Stop the Myths — Autistic People Thrive Too

We’re Not Vegetables — We’re Visionaries

Every so often, someone says something so wildly ignorant about autistic people that it makes headlines.

Lately, it has been claimed that autistic kids will “never” go on dates or hold jobs.

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

That kind of statement isn’t just offensive — it’s completely wrong.

And if you’re autistic like I am, you’ve probably heard your fair share of these assumptions.

Let’s break them down — and then break free from them.

Where These Beliefs Come From

These ideas don’t come out of nowhere. They come from a rigid, outdated view of autism — one where people are either “barely autistic” or considered incapable of living independently.

But autism doesn’t work like that.

It’s not a single experience — it’s a spectrum.

Our strengths and challenges are diverse.

Our communication styles vary.

And our lives are just as real and valuable as anyone else’s.

Yes, Autistic People Date — And Love Deeply

There’s this myth that we can’t have relationships. That we’re too awkward, too distant, or too “unfeeling.”

That stereotype is not only false — it’s dehumanizing.

I’ve dated before. One time, my date felt more comfortable bringing her mom, a friend, and even my mom along.

It wasn’t a traditional date, but it was real. It mattered.

It wasn’t about “fitting in” — it was about showing up, being ourselves, and connecting in our own way.

Autistic relationships may look different. But different isn’t less.

Yes, We Work — When the Environment Works With Us

Another tired myth: autistic people can’t hold jobs.

Let me be clear — we absolutely can.

I’ve worked. Many of us do.

But the real difference is in the environment.

When we’re in roles that respect our focus, honesty, creativity, and insight, we shine.

What holds us back isn’t ability.

It’s systems that weren’t built for neurodivergent minds.

Give us real support, and real understanding, and watch what we’re capable of.

Why These Myths Are So Harmful

Even when people say these things with “concern,” the damage is real.

Saying we’ll “never” work or date doesn’t just erase our present.

It writes us out of our future.

It teaches people — including young autistic kids — to doubt their worth before they’ve even had a chance to try.

It limits dreams. It silences progress.

These comments don’t just hurt feelings — they feed a culture of exclusion.

What Autistic People Need

We don’t need pity.

We don’t need people feeling “sorry” for us.

And we don’t need your limits.

We need:

💬 Compassion instead of assumptions

👥 Representation instead of fear

✅ Support instead of ceilings

We’re not here to meet your low expectations.

We’re here to rewrite them.

Final Thoughts

I’m autistic.

I’ve worked. I’ve dated. I’ve failed and tried again.

I’ve felt misunderstood — but I’ve also felt empowered.

Autistic people live real, meaningful lives.

Not someday — right now.

So stop deciding our future for us.

We’re already building it.

One honest, meaningful step at a time.