#Equityisworthwhile: Why are autistic adults living in poverty?

A lot of people in BC are having a hard financial time right now, but autistic people face disproportionate amounts of income inequality. It’s an issue that affects our ability to care for ourselves, live a life we’re excited about, and build meaningful careers. Those are just a few of the impacts. But why are autistic adults in poverty? 🤔

We believe #equityisworthwhile at AutismBC. Are you an autistic person struggling with money? What kinds of professional opportunities do you find helpful? If you’re a caregiver or loved one of an autistic person with helpful tips, insights, or comments, we’d also love to hear from you in the comments. 💬

[gothboschincarnate]

Nobody ever talks about this.... thank you for talking about this.

[marianadave]

Here in Brazil, autistic people have special rights by the law. We can have free treatment, priority in lines at any place (stores, banks). At school or college we can do our test in a different day or schedulle, an even choose the way the test is going to be (have more time, written or oral test).
All the government jobs and big pribate companies are obligated to hire a certain percentage of special needs people, and we have a special retirement program.
I am 43, gay woman and I am a police officer, and in my team there is another autistic officer.
We work at the crime scene unit. We can manage to choose the night shifts or even another more suitable work.
I am very blessed to have parents who supported me until I got this job and today I can pay for my own therapies and medication.
Brazil in general is a good place for autistic people.
We can wear the autistic necklace (puzzled ribbon) anywere and be easily identified, and respected as so. People are very kind to us here.
and if we go trough discrimination, we have a special police station to file a report.

[scottfw]

Also true in my life living in poverty in that country to the south of British Columbia & the remainder of Canada.

[EmilyGloeggler]

Wait till they find out disability (SSI and SSDI) will be cut.

[Jose-MexNerd]

Interesting way to categorize things. Hmm. I come from generational poverty due to autism in a family going back to at least my grandfather. From the high functioning end, what I noticed over past couple of decades is that pockets of insecure NT people will try to tear your spirit apart. Same pattern of lead-up events and outcome, only difference is the year. They pack-up on you like wild hyenas, and mobilize social buy-in from everyone around you in the workplace (school, etc.). Even though you may be the most productive employee/student/etc., NOTHING replaces that social-connection "thing" with people, NOTHING! In the past 4 decades I witnessed relatives and friends (high functioning) go through this, hopeful and motivated when young then break somewhere along the way and go pretty much go insane and homeless. In my case this hopelessness was passed on to me and my siblings by my father, and it seems like an impossible feat to overcome. In my case, I was blessed with a couple of personality attributes that helped me change my fate and impact my family and the next generation of kids - but others maybe not so much. It's much easier once you better understand yourself (diagnosis/self-awareness) and the variables around you.

[amblingscout]

Disability is capped at $1400, and people aren't willing to hire us.

[PlumpnDreamyWalrus]

BECAUSE WE DON'T GET HIRED AND THESE PLACES KNOW HOW TO LEGALLY AVOID US WITHOUT TAKING THE HEAT FOR DISCRIMINATION