Two recent decisions from the Southern District of New York highlight the importance of genuine accessibility efforts. In Jones v. Moscot.com, the court dismissed a lawsuit against a company that had invested in accessibility improvements, demonstrating the value of a documented accessibility program. Conversely, in Parikh v. accessiBe, the court allowed a breach of contract claim to proceed against a company that sold a product promising WCAG compliance but failed to deliver.

The text provides a first-person account of the sensory experiences of autism, highlighting the overwhelming nature of unfiltered sensory input. It emphasizes the cognitive cost of managing sensory overload, including difficulties with auditory processing, tactile sensitivity, and visual input. The author also discusses the importance of routines for cognitive economy and the challenges of executive function and working memory in daily life.

Autism presents unique challenges, including unreliable working memory, demand avoidance driven by anxiety, and social exhaustion from constant processing. Masking, a coping mechanism, can lead to burnout. The double empathy problem highlights communication difficulties between autistic and non-autistic people, while interoception issues can cause delayed bodily signals.

Autism is a full-body, full-day experience that influences sensory processing, social interaction, and emotional regulation. While it can present challenges, it also brings unique strengths like deep focus, pattern recognition, and authenticity. Unmasking, or shedding the performance of neurotypicality, is a crucial step towards building a life that aligns with an autistic nervous system, reducing suffering and fostering well-being.