Question:

How does someone with an autism spectrum disorder or similar disability get and hold down a job when this is such a difficult thing for neuro-typical people to do?

I don’t know the answer to that. In the past few days I have been on the receiving end of a thread of emails from parents of adults (most with AS) who are living at home without any means of self support. Most are fortunate to have loving families who will do their best to continue to be there for their children as long as they can. But this can’t last forever; parents don’t typically outlive their children. If there is an understanding, patient sibling to step in when the parents are no longer able, then there is reason for optimism that things will work out.

Fortunate are the children with relatively minor disabilities, and who grow up with a measure of self confidence that enables them to function independently. That is where I want my son to be; that is where I believe he is heading.