[ModernMech]

As an autist myself, I’ve never acted like Musk. My autistic family and friends have not either. Musk may be autistic but he is also extremely narcissistic and egotistical, that much should be clear. Let’s maybe focus on that instead of autism causing his bad behavior.

[HlessClaudesman]

Yeah I agree, his actions could also be explained by narcissism, or a combination of factors.

A topic that I became aware of at University is how society casts people with disabilities (sorry if that term if that offends anyone) as villains, ie Captain Hook becomes a big old meany because an alligator took his hand. Of course this is a harmful stereotype and should be retired as a crutch for lazy writers, thinkers and society at large.

But I also believe that anyone can be the hero or the villain, or think they are doing good when they are clearly misguided. Wouldn't it be just as weird if neurodivergent people were never actually the bad guy? Isn't never being allowed to think of someone as both autistic and in some way maladjusted also a harmful stricture?

[ModernMech]

Not saying we neurodivergents can’t be bad people or villains (I think Kingpin is supposed to be autistic), nor that we shouldn’t be called out where appropriate.

But we have enough social stigma going against us. Musk’s antics are on the morning news now, so I’d much rather the word “narcissist” be on people’s mind than “autist”. Because when I tell people I’m autistic, I don’t want them to think that means I’m prone to screaming “go fuck yourself” to a live studio audience.

That’s a good point about Hook. Villains are also frequently queer coded. Hook is an example of this too. So is Jafar, Scar (disfigured), and Ursula (overweight). Probably more examples. This is to draw a contrast to the blonde haired, blue eyed, able bodied, conventionally attractive hero.