People with ASD should make $290K to $400K+

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As Temple Grandin put it, ASD people are "different, not less." There are many high-paying jobs where people with ASD would positively excel, and exceed the performance of NTs - like most jobs that require detailed attention for long periods of time, intense focus, or the ability to notice minute details. People with ASD need to recognize their talents and strengths and GO FOR IT to achieve their dreams. They don't have to struggle by themselves and be bullied unless this is what they want.

Self-organization and a collective voice are key to the prosperity and well being of any group, with or without a disadvantage. Did you know that in 2009, stagehands at the Lincoln Center in NYC made $290,000 per year on average and up to $400K+ at Carnegie Hall? They probably make even more this year, three years later.
See: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/28/arts/ ... wanted=all
Stagehands are the people in dark suits that perform tasks for stage performances like move the grand piano, podium, and music stands from one end of the stage to another. The stagehands made from $290K to $400K+ because they belonged to a powerful union that bargained on their behalf and represented their collective voice. After the CEO of Carnegie Hall, the next 5 highest paying employees were the stagehands that had union representation. Job skills alone don't determine level of pay; how powerful your voice is also matters. The collective voice of a thousand people who are similarly situated is much more powerful than a single voice on virtually all issues.

So, this is my challenge to all people with ASD reading this post. If you feel you could perform all the tasks of a stagehand, are you making $290K to $400K+ at your current job, with full benefits, a retirement package, and job security (you can only be fired for cause)? If not, why don't you love yourself enough to take all the little steps that eventually can move a mountain? And when you get where you wish to be, don't forget to help others do the same. Complaining and whining, and applying for those $12/hour jobs is most likely not going to get you there.

Because people will then disregard how well you actually do your job for your inability to be a cool party rockin' in the house bro when you go out drinking with the company.

On a serious note for me, while I can be detailed, I'm not really a "fast" worker, so that screws me regardless, I can be faster and detailed while under the influence of a lot of caffeine, but the only way for me to maintain that long term would probably be adderall or something to that effect.

I agree with your intentions, but I doubt it is that simple. Even if we all got together, formed a union, and made a good case for our strengths (which would vary by individual, but that doesn't matter much, as NTs fitness for any job varies by indivdiual as well), one thing would still screw us. That is the "those monkeys are different from us - kill them!" instinct far too many people seem to have.

Even if they suppress that instinct to the extent that they don't actually kill us, they hate us, fear us, and would never willingly give us more than a few crumbs. Yes, this isn't true of every single person, and I'm not saying it is. But it is true of a large number of individuals, enough to cause problems for us.

Edited to add: Again, I'm not saying your intentions are bad. I agree with a lot of what you've said. But, first, I don't think it is just because we "don't want to" that most of us don't make much money. More importantly, if you have any chance at accomplishing what you'd like to (and I hope you do), you'll need to take into account the problem I've pointed out, and devise a strategy for dealing with it.

Sweetleaf, you are right, most people do not choose to be bullied, and bullying is wrong. This is not what I meant. Union employees experience less bullying and exploitation from their employers because of union representation. Similarly, individuals in school or in a workplace setting can learn ways to minimize bullying, like aligning with a powerful ally or belonging to an advocacy group that can intervene on their behalf. NT people know how to align themselves with influential people so they can be treated well by others and receive their protection, and ASD people need to do the same. It is vital to build self-esteem and a personal arsenal like educating yourself on your legal rights. Also, find a mentor who is socially skilled who can help maneuver the situation. A bully will stop bullying when he or she realizes there are harmful consequences for doing so.

theWanderer, thank you for your comment. There are NTs who hate those who are different, but there are also many kind NTs out there who are willing to help.

What ASD people are missing is a self-sustaining eco-system in which they can thrive. Right now, they have to go to A for help with one thing and go to B for another, and A & B are separate and unrelated. There needs to be an integrated system with structure, jobs and job security, health and retirement benefits, housing, transportation assistance, education and training, financial planning, workplace accommodation, and a support network consisting of corporate, government and community partners, and service providers. All of this can be achieved with a well-run worker-owned cooperative. This is what I am trying to build.

I was a stagehand for musicals at a local college I went to and I made: Nothing! Zero! Actually I did and do it for the experience because I like musicals.

While I could find a job that would pay more, I am content (although it can give me anxiety) in being an educator. There is great satisfaction within me in knowing I help my students in their education---great rewards. And in looking at it in time that I have off, I work half the year, although it is a full-time job. My day with students begins at approximately 8 AM and is over around 2:30 PM. And that includes a 50 minute lunch break for me---plus I have a 50 minute planning period. So after adding that up, I work with students less than 5 hours a day. That's not a bad day. I have every weekend off plus extended time for holidays. Then there are the 80 days off in the summer. I have nearly 200 sick days built-up that I can use for illness. Both of my sons also attend the school that I teach at. I think I will remain content with my career.

Sweetleaf and Who Am I:

There are many kind, successful people who are willing to help autistics navigate the NT world, mentor them, and introduce them to the people who can open doors to better opportunities and a supportive living and work environment (hopefully including one that is bully-free).

Check out: http://www.bestbuddies.org/best-buddies. Best Buddies is a great program that matches NTs with intellectually or developmentally disabled individuals via a one-on-one peer mentoring system. Best Buddies discuss their problems with each other, go on outings together, help each other out, and build enduring friendships.

Best Buddies® is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to establishing a global volunteer movement that creates opportunities for one-to-one friendships, integrated employment and leadership development for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD).

Founded in 1989 by Anthony K. Shriver, Best Buddies is a vibrant, international organization that has grown from one original chapter to almost 1,500 middle school, high school, and college chapters worldwide. Best Buddies programs engage participants in each of the 50 United States, and in 50 countries around the world. Best Buddies’ seven formal programs – Best Buddies Middle Schools, High Schools, Colleges, Citizens, e-Buddies, Jobs and Ambassadors – positively impact nearly 700,000 individuals with and without disabilities worldwide. Best Buddies volunteers annually contribute, at no cost to their communities, support services that equate to more than $155.2 million USD.

BobinPgh, I love musicals too! I've performed on stage before (singing and dancing), and I know firsthand the thrill of live theater! If I had the time, I would love to help out at a theater on a volunteer basis. My sister helps manage her partner's ballet instruction business and they are heavily involved in the ballet and piano performance community in NYC. There's something amazing about a group of people coming together and turning artistic inspiration into reality, with clapping fans to boot!

Sweetleaf,

I was responding to the subject about bullying. It is unlikely that autistics will receive effective assistance from fellow autistics against bullying. Perhaps if they found an NT mentor (like via the Best Buddies program) who was adept at navigating the NT world, they might receive help on how to defend themselves from bullies.

We do live in a NT dominated world whether we like it or not. Unless you are the lucky beneficiary of a trust fund that will finance all your living expenses for the rest of your life so you won't need to depend on anyone for survival, it is likely that you and most of us will have to interact with NTs, even if it is limited socially to going to the doctor's office, visiting the vocational rehab counselor, going to the psychologist for therapy, or communicating to receive government assistance such as SSI or other social welfare benefits. And, of course, if you work for a living, you will still have to deal with your employer and co-workers, and if you are self-employed, you will have to interact with your customers and suppliers.