The Eternal Now and the Pursuit of One's Passions: Navigating Time and Expectations as an Autistic Elder
Autistic people face numerous challenges in modern society, many of which stem from a fundamental mismatch between our unique experiences and the expectations imposed upon us by society. From navigating social interactions and sensory overload to coping with the pressure to conform to neurotypical norms, we often find ourselves struggling to find our place in a society that is not designed with our needs in mind. One of the most significant and often overlooked challenges faced by autistic people is our relationship with time and the pressure to maintain constant productivity.
The autistic experience of time is often characterised as teleological, meaning that we tend to focus more on the purpose or end goal of an activity rather than the passage of time itself. This can lead to a sense of being in the “eternal now,” a concept found in Daoism that emphasises the importance of living in the present moment. Whilst this perspective can be beneficial in many ways, it can also make it difficult for us to navigate a world that is heavily focused on linear time and the constant pursuit of productivity.
Moreover, autistics often have a strong sense of our own goals and desires, which can be understood through the lens of Glasser’s Choice Theory and the concept of the Quality World Picture. The Quality World Picture represents an individual’s ideal vision of their life, including their relationships, possessions, and experiences. For autistics, the pursuit of our Quality World Picture can be a driving force in our lives, providing a sense of purpose and direction.
However, the combination of a teleological experience of time, the societal pressure to maintain constant productivity, and the pursuit of one’s Quality World Picture can lead to immense stress and challenges for autistics. The pressure to conform to neurotypical expectations of time management and productivity can be overwhelming, leading to feelings of inadequacy, burnout, and even reduced life expectancy. In today’s article, we will explore each of these factors in more depth and consider how they intersect to create unique challenges for autistic people in modern society.
The Autistic Experience of Time
As an autistic person, my experience of time is fundamentally different from that of neurotypical individuals. I have a teleological perspective on time, which means that I focus more on the purpose or end goal of an activity rather than the passage of time itself. This can manifest in various ways, such as becoming deeply engrossed in a task or interest without regard for how much time has passed, or struggling to transition between activities because I am more focused on completing the current task than on adhering to a predetermined schedule.
This teleological experience of time is closely related to the concept of the “eternal now” found in Daoism. The eternal now refers to the idea of being fully present in the current moment. For me, this state of being comes naturally, as I am often intensely focused on my current experience and the sensations, thoughts, and emotions that arise within it. However, this can also make it challenging for me to plan for the future or reflect on the past in the same way that neurotypical individuals might.
The neurotypical world, on the other hand, is heavily focused on linear time and the constant pursuit of productivity. From a young age, individuals are taught to manage their time effectively, to plan for the future, and to prioritise their responsibilities and obligations. This linear, productivity-focused view of time can be incredibly challenging for autistic people like myself, as it often fails to account for our unique needs and experiences.
For example, I may struggle to meet deadlines or adhere to strict schedules, not because I am lazy or unmotivated, but because my brain is wired differently. I may also find it difficult to engage in small talk or other social niceties that are expected in professional settings, as these interactions can feel like a waste of time when I am focused on the task at hand.
Moreover, the pressure to constantly be productive and to use time “efficiently” can be incredibly stressful for autistic people. We may feel like we are constantly falling behind or failing to meet the expectations of others, even when we are working hard and doing our best. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, burnout, and even mental health challenges.
In a world that is so heavily focused on linear time and productivity, it can be difficult for autistics to find acceptance and understanding. However, by recognising and valuing our unique experiences of time, we can begin to create more inclusive and accommodating environments that allow us to thrive on our own terms.
The Pressure of Productivity in Modern Society
As an autistic elder who was raised by my Marxist grandmother with a deep understanding of the so-called “Highland Clearances” (better known as the genocide of the indigenous Scots by the colonial English), I have a particularly critical view of how capitalism has shaped our modern society. One of the most insidious ways in which capitalism has impacted our lives is by erasing the natural rhythms and seasonality that have guided human existence for millennia.
In pre-industrial societies, people’s lives were intimately connected to the cycles of the seasons. They planted crops in the spring, harvested in the fall, and rested during the winter months. This connection to the natural world allowed for periods of intense work followed by periods of rest and renewal. However, with the rise of industrial capitalism, this natural rhythm has been disrupted. We are now expected to maintain constant levels of energy, efficiency, and productivity throughout the year, regardless of the season or our own natural inclinations.
This pressure to be constantly productive is driven by the capitalist imperative to maximise profits at all costs. In a system where time is money, there is little room for rest, reflection, or simply being. We are expected to work longer hours, take fewer vacations, and always be “on” and available, thanks to the proliferation of technology that keeps us connected 24/7. This constant pressure to perform is not only exhausting, but it also takes a toll on our mental and physical health.
For neurodivergent individuals like myself, this pressure can be particularly challenging. Many of us struggle with executive functioning, time management, and sensory processing, which can make it difficult to meet the demands of a fast-paced, high-pressure work environment. We may need more time to process information, more breaks to recharge, and more flexibility in our schedules to accommodate our unique needs and abilities.
However, in a society that values productivity above all else, these accommodations are often seen as a sign of weakness or laziness. Neurodivergent individuals are expected to conform to neurotypical standards of behaviour and performance, even when those standards are unrealistic or harmful to our well-being. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy, burnout, and even discrimination in the workplace.
Moreover, the constant pressure to be productive can have a disproportionate impact on neurodivergent individuals who may already struggle with mental health challenges such as anxiety, depression, or sensory processing disorders. The added stress of trying to keep up with neurotypical expectations can exacerbate these conditions and make it even more difficult for us to thrive.
As someone who has witnessed the devastating impact of capitalism on indigenous communities, I cannot help but see parallels between the erasure of natural rhythms and the erasure of traditional ways of life. Just as the so-called “Highland Clearances” displaced and impoverished countless Scots in the name of “progress” and “efficiency,” so too does the modern capitalist system prioritise profit over people and planet.
If we are to create a more just and equitable society, we must begin by challenging the notion that productivity is the ultimate measure of worth. We must recognize the value of rest, renewal, and natural rhythms, and create space for neurodivergent individuals to thrive on their own terms. Only then can we hope to build a world that truly works for everyone.
The Pursuit of Quality in a World of Balance
Glasser's Choice Theory posits that all human behaviour is driven by the desire to satisfy five basic needs: survival, love and belonging, power, freedom, and fun. Central to this theory is the concept of the Quality World Picture, which represents an individual’s ideal vision of their life, including their relationships, possessions, and experiences. For autistic individuals like myself, the pursuit of our Quality World Picture can be a powerful motivator, providing a sense of purpose and direction in a world that often feels overwhelming and confusing.
However, the pursuit of our Quality World Picture is often in tension with societal expectations of work-life balance. The modern workplace is built around neurotypical norms and values, which can make it difficult for autistic individuals to thrive. As highlighted in the Buckland Review of Autism Employment in the UK, autistic people face numerous barriers to accessing and sustaining employment, including a lack of tailored preparation, unfair hiring processes, inaccessible workplaces, and insufficient support and accommodations.
This tension between pursuing our Quality World Picture and meeting societal expectations can be a significant source of stress for autistic individuals. We may feel torn between our desire to pursue our passions and interests and the need to conform to neurotypical standards of behaviour and performance in order to maintain employment and financial stability. This can lead to feelings of anxiety, frustration, and burnout, as we struggle to balance our own needs and desires with the demands of the workplace.
Moreover, the lack of understanding and accommodations for autistic individuals in the workplace can make it even more challenging to pursue our Quality World Picture. As noted in the Buckland Review, only 3 in 10 autistic adults in the UK are currently in work, despite the vast majority wishing to have a career. This speaks to the systemic barriers and discrimination that autistic individuals face in accessing and sustaining employment.
The additional stress placed on autistic individuals navigating this tension cannot be overstated. We may feel like we have to choose between our own well-being and the demands of the workplace, leading to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt. We may also face discrimination and stigma from colleagues and employers who do not understand or appreciate our unique strengths and challenges.
However, the Buckland Review offers some hope for change. The report sets out a series of recommendations for transforming the workplace to better support autistic individuals, including the creation of industry-wide autism employment support groups, changes to standard recruitment procedures, and ongoing assistance through measures like mentors and autism workplace design guides. These recommendations recognize the need for a more inclusive and accommodating workplace culture that values the contributions of all individuals, regardless of neurotype.
Ultimately, the pursuit of our Quality World Picture should not come at the cost of our well-being and mental health. As autistic individuals, we have the right to pursue our passions and interests in a world that values and supports our unique strengths and challenges. By working collaboratively with employers, policymakers, and other stakeholders to create more inclusive and accommodating workplaces, we can begin to bridge the gap between our Quality World Picture and the demands of modern society.
The Toll on Autistic Well-being
The cumulative impact of our unique time perception, relentless societal pressure to be productive, and the challenges we face in pursuing our personal goals and interests can take a heavy toll on the well-being of autistic individuals. Constantly struggling to meet the demands of a world that was not designed with our needs in mind can lead to chronic stress, anxiety, and burnout.
This is compounded by the commoditisation of human beings under capitalism, which reduces us to mere cogs in the machine of economic production. In this system, our worth is measured solely by our ability to generate profit, with little regard for our inherent value as human beings. For autistic individuals, who may struggle to conform to neurotypical standards of productivity and social interaction, this can be particularly dehumanising.
The constant pressure to mask our autistic traits, to push ourselves beyond our limits, and to sacrifice our own well-being for the sake of productivity can have serious consequences for our physical and mental health. Studies have shown that autistic individuals have a significantly reduced life expectancy compared to the general population, with some estimates suggesting that we may live 16-30 years less on average.
While the reasons for this reduced life expectancy are complex and multifaceted, there is no doubt that the chronic stress and mental health challenges that many autistic folks face play a significant role. The cumulative impact of a lifetime spent navigating a world that is often hostile to our needs and experiences can take a serious toll on our bodies and minds.
To address this crisis, we need a fundamental shift in how society understands and accommodates us. This means moving beyond the narrow focus on productivity and economic value, and recognising the inherent worth and dignity of all human beings, regardless of neurotype.
It means creating workplaces and educational environments that are truly inclusive and accommodating, with flexibility, understanding, and support built into their very foundation. It means challenging the ableist assumptions and stereotypes that limit our opportunities and potential, and celebrating the unique strengths and perspectives that autistic individuals bring to the table.
Ultimately, it means recognising that the well-being and thriving of autistic people is not a luxury or an afterthought, but a fundamental human right. We deserve to live in a world that values our contributions, accommodates our needs, and supports our dreams and aspirations.
Final thoughts …
To wrap up, the challenges faced by autistic individuals in modern society stem from a complex web of factors, including (but certainly not limited to) our unique perception of time, the unrelenting pressure to adhere to neurotypical standards of productivity, and the pursuit of our Quality World Picture in a world that rarely accommodates our needs and experiences.
Throughout today’s article, we have examined how these elements combine to create a perfect storm of stress and mental health challenges for autistic individuals. From the erosion of natural rhythms and seasonality under capitalism to the lack of understanding and accommodations in the workplace, autistic individuals encounter numerous obstacles in accessing the support and resources we need to flourish.
However, by casting light on these challenges and advocating for greater understanding and flexibility in supporting autistic individuals, we can start to build a more inclusive and accommodating society for everyone. This entails acknowledging and respecting the diverse ways in which autistic individuals experience the world and everything in it, and fostering environments and structures that enable us to do so on our own terms.
What is particularly sinister about the capitalist system is how it places the blame for societal problems squarely on the shoulders of the individual. Autistic individuals who struggle to meet the rigid demands of productivity are seen as the problem, rather than the system itself. This leads to a vicious cycle where the stress and mental health challenges that result from this untenable situation further impact our ability to be productive, making us even more likely to be viewed as disposable by a system that prioritises profit over human well-being. This is not only profoundly sad but also deeply sick, as it fails to recognise the inherent worth and dignity of all human beings, regardless of their neurotype or ability to conform to narrow standards of economic value.
In the end, promoting the well-being of autistic individuals requires more than just individual accommodations or adjustments; it necessitates a fundamental shift in how we understand and value human diversity. By embracing the unique strengths and perspectives that autistic individuals bring to the table and working together to create a world that is truly inclusive and equitable, we can unlock the full potential of our shared humanity.
This vision demands ongoing effort, advocacy, and collaboration from individuals, organisations, and policymakers alike. But it is a vision that is essential if we are to create a society that genuinely values and supports the well-being of all its members, irrespective of neurotype or ability. Let us unite to bring that vision to fruition, and in doing so, challenge the oppressive and dehumanizing structures that have too long gone unchecked.