As an autistic person, this thread has been a very interesting read. I've struggled to manage my issues my entire life, but would never want to "cure" myself because without my autism I wouldn't be me. Autistic people process the world differently, and that difference in perspective leads to important contributions to the world. I spent most of my childhood "in lala land" as another poster has put it, and truthfully the only thing that keeps me "functioning" is the mask that I was forced to put on due to the intense discrimination against neurodivergent people in the world. Permaculture also has that ableism, as evidenced by this thread. Thankfully, in these circles it's often less intense then at my day job, which is why as a hobby it's more appealing to me. Current society isn't built to support or reward autistic people. It focuses on maximizing money and stuff and to do that, you need to play the neurotypical game. Previous social structures, like hunter gatherer, or even feudalism, allowed for flexible working hours and control of tasks that helps neurodivergent people succeed. (I read somewhere that medieval peasants had more free time than modern Americans.) There were also many more social supports.
Permaculture practices like making my own clothes, connecting with my community, and getting outdoors give me acceptable special interests that aren't considered "childish" or "immature" like some special interests. Making my own clothes has helped me avoid sensory issues and allows me to practice executive functioning. Developing social supports and connections with my neighbors has helped, but takes a LOT of time. Food wise? Fed is best for me, I have ARFID and don't have the ability to follow special diets. My sensory issues are too restrictive - but that's ok. Medication has been the only "silver bullet" to managing my issues. The other silver bullet was radical acceptance of who I am and that my needs are valid. I need to go to "Lala land" for a little bit every day so that I can process and decompress. I need time when I don't have to speak. I need to be in a place where my sensory issues aren't triggered. If these needs aren't melt, I will shut down and become catatonic.
This has become a super long post that I'm not sure anyone will even read, but the point is I hope that any attempt to "treat" your own or someone else's autism comes from a place of compassion and care, and not "trying to force an autistic person into situations they aren't able to be in because I believe they should." No supplement, diet change, or lifestyle change will really help long term if you're still forcing yourself (or your child) to do things they can't do, on a timeline that they can't achieve.
