We’re Not Settling: Gen Z Demands Real Inclusion

Something big is happening. For the first time, I feel like the younger generation — my generation — is actually pushing autism acceptance in a direction that makes sense. Gen Z isn’t just reposting hashtags or wearing puzzle pieces. We’re calling things out. We’re asking deeper questions. And we’re demanding better answers (Doyle, 2021).

We’re not just saying “be aware.” We’re saying understand us. Support us. Include us — for real.

We’re Not Here for the Surface-Level Stuff

When I was younger, everything about autism was framed around awareness. I saw the shirts, the blue lights, the campaigns that were supposed to be “for us,” but rarely actually by us.

And look — it was a start. I’m not here to bash the people who tried. In fact, I want to give credit where it’s due: millennials helped open the door. They were the first generation that really started talking about autism in personal terms, sharing their experiences, and pushing for more honest conversations (Overacker, 2024).

But Gen Z? We’re walking through that door and building an entirely new room.

Gen Z Gets It — And They’re Loud About It

We don’t want to be “inspirational” because we made it through the day. We’re not trying to pass for neurotypical just to make other people comfortable. And we’re tired of being told that our traits are “disruptive” or “too much.”

Gen Z is out here refusing to mask who they are just to fit in (Teen Vogue, 2021). They’re unapologetic about their needs — whether that’s taking a sensory break, using AAC, asking for accommodations, or calling out ableism in their schools and jobs.

And the best part? They’re not waiting for permission.

Millennials Helped Us Get Here — That Matters Too

Millennials deserve credit for all of this. A lot of them were the first to say, “This system doesn’t work for us either.” They began pushing back against toxic productivity, rigid norms, and ableist stereotypes long before it became a trend (Overacker, 2024). It’s not about checking boxes. It’s about creating your lane.

Millennials laid the groundwork. Gen Z is building the future.

Support Means Something Different Now

We’re changing what support means. No more vague “let me know if you need anything.” We’re talking:

• Flexible schedules, not burnout culture

• Communication that fits us

• Options for learning and working that aren’t one-size-fits-all

• Advocating with us, not just about us

It’s not performative. It’s practical. And it’s personal (Otsimo, 2023).

Real Inclusion Starts With Listening

What I love most is that Gen Z is listening to autistic people. Not just “experts.” Not just organizations. However, actual autistic creators, students, entrepreneurs, and professionals — the people who live with autism (Teen Vogue, 2021).

We don’t want to be studied like a science project. We want to be heard, respected, and included in decisions that affect our lives. Gen Z is doing that — and it’s changing everything.

Final Thoughts

Autism acceptance isn’t just about being nice. It’s about equity, respect, and freedom. Millennials got the conversation going. Gen Z is keeping it real. And I think the future of inclusion? It’s finally starting to look like something we’d want to be part of.

References

Doyle, N. (2021, June 17). Get ready for Gen-Z in neurodiversity: Collaborative, authentic, intersectional and ethical—or else. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/drnancydoyle/2021/06/17/get-ready-for-gen-z-in-neurodiversity-collaborative-authentic-intersectional-and-ethical-or-else/

Otsimo. (2023). State of Autism Acceptance Report in United States. https://otsimo.com/en/autism-acceptance-report-united-states/

Overacker, Z. (2024, March 2). The hidden spectrum: Millennials with Autism Spectrum Disorder or ASD under the radar. Medium. https://medium.com/speaking-bipolar/uncovering-the-hidden-spectrum-millennials-with-autism-and-asd-under-the-radar-5312aed91488

Teen Vogue. (2021, January 20). TikTok creators like Paige Layle are redefining narratives about autism. https://www.teenvogue.com/story/tiktok-creators-paige-layle-autism