At the convergence of AI and layoffs, we have an increasing population of young people entering the white collar job market for the first time who suffer from neurodivergence or Autism/ADHD spectrum. How convenient that right as the population becomes increasingly autistic, we have AI taking over those menial labor entry-level white collar jobs - and a far heavier emphasis is placed on those with superior social / fitting-in skills.

Serious question - what are the wallflowers supposed to do? Those who never fit in? Some people, regardless of therapy and self work, are not the most well-liked or personable. Those who are different become social targets for exclusion and scapegoating.

I have never been diagnosed with autism, but the way I have been outcasted in nearly every environment throughout my life has made me feel like I must be on the spectrum. I get my tasks done, but I rely on the admin type work to market myself. I struggle with small talk, I feel awkward and shy, and I am not a salesperson big shot personality and at the same time I am not a computer coder. I am just an average person. What are those of us supposed to do if we sit at the intersection of being technical (but not a superstar) and neurodivergent? There is a statistic that around 50-70% of ASD spectrum is unemployed or underemployed, but there’s others layers of people below them that struggle to hang onto work.

Companies say they hire all kinds, and do not discriminate, but reality proves this to be untrue. Checking off the disability box (even with a health condition) is a death sentence. Return to offices screen for those with health issues. Corporate environments are tightening their headcounts, and highest on the chopping block are those who struggle to integrate with their coworkers or are not socially insiders.

It feels like we are living in Lord of the Flies.

This planet and the U.S. economy is so cruel.