Autistic Advocacy: Twin Myths - Giftedness & "Profound Autism"

Why “profound autism” is not a clinical diagnosis, but a profit-driven label used by the ABA industry to secure funding and silence autistic voices

How functioning labels and “autism levels” serve capitalism by rewarding masking and punishing authenticity

The connection between giftedness, autism, and vulnerability to addiction, burnout, and mental health struggles

How “Highly Sensitive Person” and “indigo child” language often masks undiagnosed autism, especially in women and AFAB individuals

The harm caused by Autism Speaks, ABA therapy, and helicopter parenting in controlling autistic children rather than supporting autonomy

Why autistic pattern recognition is both a powerful strength and a contributor to burnout and sensory overwhelm

Real-life example: Dan Harmon’s experience with burnout, substance use, and creative pressure as an autistic showrunner

How to replace outdated functioning labels with a framework based on masking levels and lived support needs