Neurodiverse Justice can be Reparative and Remunerative

It's not about dimmer light fixtures in prison cells, but a hell of a lot more

When I first conceived the idea of advocating for autistic reparations, I admit I thought it might be too audacious—too radical. However, as I delved deeper into the historical and ongoing injustices faced by autistic individuals, it became evident that this call for reparations is not only justified but also deeply necessary. The concept of reparations has become a focal point in recent years, particularly as we grapple with the legacy of injustices faced by marginalized communities. Reparations are not simply about monetary compensation but about acknowledging harm, restoring dignity, and creating systemic change. This essay aims to highlight the systemic ableism that has profoundly affected autistic individuals and to advocate for both redress and a transformative restructuring of societal norms and institutions.

Understanding the Historical Context of Ableism and Autism Pathologization

The history of autism is intertwined with a legacy of pathologization and dehumanization. Autism has long been viewed through the lens of the medical model, which treats neurodivergence as a defect to be corrected. This model has been used to justify harmful practices, such as forced institutionalization and compliance-based therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). Developed in the 1960s by Dr. Ivar Lovaas, ABA became a widespread intervention designed to make autistic individuals appear more "normal" by modifying their behavior. The focus on compliance, however, has often come at a steep cost: the erasure of autonomy, the suppression of natural behaviors, and a disregard for the emotional well-being of autistic people. Many autistic self-advocates describe ABA as traumatic, likening it to training rather than support—a perspective echoed in a survey by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), where respondents reported lasting trauma and described the therapy as "abusive" and "dehumanizing."

These practices have laid the groundwork for systemic barriers that persist today—barriers in education, employment, and healthcare. Autistic individuals face significant hurdles in accessing quality education, with support structures often centered on conformity rather than understanding. The unemployment rate for autistic adults is alarmingly high, with studies suggesting that between 70% and 90% are either unemployed or underemployed, even though many are highly skilled and capable. The ripple effects of this marginalization contribute to a cycle of exclusion and disempowerment, which this essay seeks to address.

Theoretical Frameworks: Neurodiversity and Intersectionality

To understand why reparations for autistic individuals are necessary, we must consider the broader frameworks of neurodiversity and intersectionality. The neurodiversity movement, introduced by sociologist Judy Singer, represents a paradigm shift from the traditional medical model. It challenges the idea that neurological differences like autism are inherently pathological. Instead, neurodiversity posits that these differences are natural variations in the human genome—part of the spectrum of human diversity that should be celebrated rather than cured or corrected. This perspective not only validates autistic experiences but also demands that society adapt to accommodate these differences rather than force individuals to conform.

However, neurodiversity cannot be fully understood without considering intersectionality—a concept coined by legal scholar Kimberlé Crenshaw to describe how different forms of social stratification, such as race, class, and gender, intersect to create unique experiences of discrimination. For autistic individuals, intersectionality reveals that marginalized identities compound the challenges they face. For example, Black and Hispanic children are less likely to be diagnosed with autism compared to their white counterparts, which leads to delayed access to support and resources. The intersections of race, socioeconomic status, and disability create layers of inequity that must be addressed in any comprehensive approach to justice for autistic people.

Reparations as a Process of Structural Transformation

Reparations for autistic individuals should encompass far more than financial compensation; they must involve a fundamental restructuring of societal systems, norms, and attitudes. The harms faced by autistic people are both material and systemic, and therefore reparations must address both aspects.

Direct Compensation and Financial Reparations

Monetary compensation is an important aspect of reparations, as it acknowledges the specific harms endured by autistic individuals and their families. The lifetime cost of supporting an individual with autism and intellectual disability is estimated to be $2.4 million in the U.S. This figure does not include the emotional and psychological costs borne by autistic individuals subjected to harmful therapies or denied appropriate care. Financial reparations could help alleviate these burdens, providing individuals and families with the resources they need to thrive, rather than merely survive.

While it is important to recognize the economic value that autistic individuals can create, the goal is not to reduce autistic people to their economic potential or to justify inclusion solely based on productivity. Instead, the focus should be on creating an environment that values all autistic individuals as full members of society, irrespective of their economic output. Many successful entrepreneurs and innovators are believed to be on the autism spectrum, such as Elon Musk, who has publicly stated that he is autistic. His ventures have created significant shareholder value, but it is vital to emphasize that reparations are about justice, dignity, and rights—not about extracting economic gains. The exclusion of autistic individuals from opportunities is a profound loss to society, not because of the potential lost profits but because of the unfulfilled potential of people who deserve to live without systemic barriers.

Overhauling Systems of Education, Employment, and Healthcare

To genuinely repair the harm done, we must transform the very systems that have marginalized autistic individuals. In education, this means implementing universally accessible teaching practices that recognize and celebrate diverse learning styles. It also means eliminating coercive therapies like ABA and replacing them with approaches that prioritize the well-being and autonomy of autistic students. Inclusive education practices, where students are supported in mainstream classrooms with appropriate accommodations, have been shown to lead to better outcomes for autistic children, fostering a sense of belonging and self-worth.

In employment, we need to create work environments that value neurodivergent perspectives and provide the necessary supports for success. Despite the talents and capabilities of many autistic individuals, only 21.5% of people with disabilities, including autism, were employed in 2022. This underemployment is a profound waste of human potential. Inclusive hiring practices, workplace accommodations, and mentorship programs can significantly enhance employment outcomes for autistic adults, allowing them to contribute meaningfully to society. However, the value of such contributions should not be measured merely in economic terms; instead, we must recognize the inherent worth of diverse perspectives and the benefits they bring to innovation, creativity, and community resilience.

In healthcare, expanding access to neurodivergent-affirming therapies is crucial. Autistic adults often face challenges in accessing appropriate care due to a lack of understanding within the healthcare system. Healthcare professionals need training to better understand autism, not as a pathology to be cured but as a difference to be respected. This includes recognizing the unique healthcare needs of autistic individuals, who may have different sensory sensitivities or communication preferences that affect their ability to receive effective care.

Abolishing Compliance-Based Therapies

One of the most urgent aspects of reparative justice is the abolition of compliance-based therapies like ABA. These therapies are rooted in the belief that autistic individuals need to be "fixed" and that their value is contingent upon how well they can conform to neurotypical standards. Instead, we should promote approaches that respect the autonomy of autistic individuals and focus on enhancing their quality of life. The Developmental, Individual Difference, Relationship-Based (DIR) model, for instance, emphasizes emotional and social development rather than rote compliance, and has gained support as a more compassionate and respectful approach.

Ensuring Full Access to Communication

Communication is a fundamental human right, yet many autistic individuals are denied access to the tools they need to express themselves. Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices, for example, can be life-changing for non-speaking autistics, providing them with a voice and the ability to advocate for themselves. Ensuring universal access to such tools is essential for empowering autistic individuals and enabling full participation in society.

Public Acknowledgment and Apology

Another critical component of reparations is public acknowledgment of past and present harms. Governments and institutions must formally acknowledge the injustices faced by autistic individuals and issue apologies for the harm inflicted through policies of institutionalization, forced normalization, and systemic discrimination. Such acknowledgments are not merely symbolic; they are an important step toward dismantling systemic ableism and validating the experiences of autistic people.

Autistic Leadership and Self-Determination

Reparative efforts must center autistic voices, ensuring that autistic individuals are leading the conversations about policies and programs that affect their lives. Empowerment through self-advocacy has been shown to improve outcomes for autistic people, fostering a sense of agency and self-worth. Autistic leadership is crucial in shaping a future where neurodivergent people are not just passive recipients of care but active participants in creating the systems that serve them.

Intersectional Approaches to Justice

Finally, any reparative framework must take an intersectional approach, addressing the specific needs of those who are doubly or triply marginalized. Black autistic individuals, LGBTQ+ autistic individuals, and those from low-income backgrounds face compounded discrimination that must be considered in any effort toward justice. Reparations must be comprehensive and inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind.

Toward a Future of Inclusion and Empowerment

Through this essay, I have attempted to envision a future where neurodiversity is celebrated, and autistic people are empowered to live fully and freely. This vision requires dismantling ableist structures and replacing them with systems that prioritize autonomy, inclusion, and dignity. Reparations are not just about addressing past harms; they are about creating a society that values all its members, regardless of neurological makeup. A commitment to intersectionality and solidarity with other justice movements—including racial justice, disability justice, and economic justice—is essential for achieving true equity.

In the words of poet and disability activist Leah Lakshmi Piepzna-Samarasinha, "We are not just fighting for the right to survive—we are fighting for the right to thrive." Moving forward with this radical vision of justice requires a willingness to challenge deeply entrenched biases and to build new systems that uplift everyone. By advocating for autistic reparations, we take a step toward a world where every mind and body is valued, diversity is celebrated, and every individual has the opportunity to flourish.