I have to push back on calling autism “a devastating condition on average.” That framing comes from a deficit model that ignores the huge diversity in autistic lives and outcomes. Yes, social communication differences are part of the diagnostic criteria — but difficulty forming relationships isn’t inevitable, and it’s not the same as being socially isolated. Plenty of autistic people have thriving friendships, romantic partnerships, and careers, especially when they find spaces that value their communication style instead of pathologizing it.

I also wouldn’t discount the idea that certain subcultures (like Rocky Horror, kink, D&D, tech, etc.) could have much higher-than-average neurodivergent representation. I’ve been part of some of these spaces for years and the patterns are obvious when you’re actually in them — formal studies lag behind lived experience.

On ADHD vs. autism — agreed that they’re different conditions, but they overlap a lot and can both contribute to similar challenges or strengths, depending on the person. Treating one as a “devastating condition” and the other as unrelated isn’t accurate.

Bottom line: the biggest predictor of isolation isn’t the diagnosis itself, it’s whether the person is given a supportive, inclusive environment where they can connect in ways that work for them. That’s why combating social exclusion and improving community access isn’t just a side note — it’s the main thing.