Spicy title, I know, but please read on. I’m not using the phrase “mental disability” like an ableist liberal would. This isn’t an insult, it’s an examination of psychology and appropriation.
I think you’re confusing politics, which is related to collective decision-making, with culture.
I’d also argue that there really aren’t apolitical people, even level 3 ASD people who can’t speak or traditionally communicate at all. Our existence is always political and collective, even if we don’t perceive it that way. There is no individual without society, to pretend otherwise is neoliberal ideology.
A meltdown in public due to bright lights is political, even if it isn’t a conscious, intentional protest. Reality itself is socially constructed and political, and we ASD people aren’t above or beyond it.
Of course, we miss some social rules or can’t adapt well to them, but that doesn’t mean they don’t affect and shape us. I don’t feel jealousy, I don’t understand monogamy at all and I think it’s kind if stupid to be honest. This does not stop me from putting in some of my partners very monogamous expectations based on time spent with me or other secondary things that only make sense in monogamy, because “that’s how relationships work”. Except that no, that’s how monogamous relationships work, but the only kind of deep relationship we’re presented are monogamous and there’s a lack of other frames of reference.
Politics isn’t something you can miss, because it is shoved down your throat from the moment you are born, even if you don’t understand it. Actually scratch that, since even abortions are at stake.
