This! This right here!

Ella makes the valid point on the language used when talking about autistic life goals. This common term is living “independently” – however living without dependencies is rarely – if at all – possible in contemporary society. It’s certainly no possible if you are disabled in the society you are in. All people in societies have dependencies on a variety of services and supports. Independent living pushes the goals of others, often one of resource management, while failing to address that contemporary society is set up with a system of dependencies to keep going. When a person has needs outside or in addition to that of the established societal structure then living “Independently” is campaigned. The goal for the person of need however is to live autonomously – with a measure of self governance and agency.

The only additional thing I would add (and I believe is inferred) is if societally constructed obstacles (& supports) were equivalent for autistic and allistic people, we would see a reduction in quality of life gap, including employment, pay, mental health outcomes and life expectancy.