The Rise of ‘Late-Stage Capitalism’ & Its Impact on Neurodivergent Well-Being
Bridgette Hamstead
The world is shifting in ways that have made daily life more challenging, particularly for neurodivergent individuals. Late-stage capitalism, a term used to describe the extreme commodification of human life, labor, and resources, has led to an environment where survival increasingly depends on relentless productivity, financial privilege, and the ability to navigate an unforgiving economic system. For many neurodivergent people, who often experience challenges with executive function, sensory regulation, employment discrimination, and societal expectations, this system creates overwhelming barriers to stability and well-being. The pressure to constantly perform, adapt, and keep up with an increasingly fast-paced and unstable society leaves little room for those of us whose needs and abilities do not fit into the narrow definition of efficiency dictated by capitalist systems.
One of the most immediate ways late-stage capitalism impacts neurodivergent individuals is through the increasing difficulty of securing and maintaining stable employment. The workforce has become more demanding, valuing speed, multitasking, and social adaptability over thoughtful, deep work and neurodivergent strengths such as pattern recognition, innovation, and niche expertise. Traditional workplaces often fail to accommodate alternative communication styles, sensory needs, or non-linear work processes, making it difficult for neurodivergent employees to succeed without masking or forcing themselves into environments that are actively harmful to their well-being. The expectation to be endlessly available, to navigate unstructured and unpredictable demands, and to constantly self-promote in competitive work cultures places a disproportionate strain on those of us who process information differently or require more structured, low-stimulation environments.
The economic precarity brought on by late-stage capitalism is another factor that negatively affects neurodivergent people. Many of us already face financial challenges due to employment discrimination, a lack of accessible career paths, and difficulty with tasks like budgeting, bill management, and financial planning. As the cost of living skyrockets while wages stagnate, even those with stable jobs find themselves struggling to afford basic necessities such as housing, healthcare, and food. For neurodivergent individuals, who may rely on medications, therapy, and accommodations to function in daily life, the increasing inaccessibility of healthcare and support services only compounds the stress. The gig economy, often presented as a solution for those who struggle with traditional employment, frequently lacks job security, health benefits, or predictable income, leaving neurodivergent workers even more vulnerable to economic instability.
Beyond financial and employment struggles, the social and emotional toll of late-stage capitalism is immense. Neurodivergent individuals often experience burnout at higher rates due to the expectation of constant productivity and the lack of societal value placed on rest and downtime. Capitalism reinforces the idea that a person’s worth is tied to their ability to produce, creating a system where those who cannot maintain a high-output lifestyle are seen as disposable or undeserving of basic resources. This is particularly harmful for autistic and ADHD individuals, whose energy levels fluctuate, whose work patterns do not always align with rigid schedules, and whose processing needs require a more flexible and accommodating approach. The push for hustle culture, side gigs, and monetizing every hobby erases the possibility of genuine rest and self-care, making it even harder for neurodivergent people to recover from burnout and maintain long-term well-being.
The rise of automation and artificial intelligence also plays into the way late-stage capitalism devalues neurodivergent contributions. Many workplaces are prioritizing AI-driven efficiency over human-centered accommodations, removing roles that neurodivergent people might excel in while replacing them with expectations for rapid adaptability and constant upskilling. At the same time, AI tools that could assist neurodivergent individuals in their daily lives, such as executive function aids, communication support apps, or sensory-friendly work technologies, are often locked behind paywalls or inaccessible systems, making them yet another resource available primarily to those with financial privilege. The increasing reliance on AI to handle workplace tasks, customer service, and even creative processes reinforces the capitalist idea that human labor must be optimized and made as efficient as possible, often at the expense of workers who need a different pace or structure to thrive.
Housing insecurity is another devastating aspect of late-stage capitalism that disproportionately affects neurodivergent individuals. Autistic and ADHD adults are more likely to struggle with independent living due to executive functioning challenges, employment barriers, and the overwhelming demands of managing household responsibilities in an unaffordable housing market. The lack of accessible, neurodivergent-friendly housing options means that many of us are forced into living arrangements that are either too expensive, too overwhelming, or too isolating. The ability to maintain stable housing is increasingly dependent on high incomes, social networking skills, and bureaucratic navigation, all of which can be difficult for those who struggle with executive dysfunction, social anxiety, or cognitive overload. The privatization of housing, the financialization of basic needs, and the erosion of community-based living spaces leave neurodivergent people with fewer and fewer options for safe, supportive environments.
Healthcare is yet another area where late-stage capitalism actively harms neurodivergent individuals. Access to diagnosis, therapy, and accommodations often depends on financial resources rather than genuine need, leaving many undiagnosed or unsupported because they cannot afford the high costs of assessment and care. The medical model of disability, which is deeply intertwined with capitalist values, treats neurodivergence as something to be "fixed" rather than supported, leading to treatment approaches that focus on making individuals more marketable and functional within a capitalist framework rather than addressing their actual needs. Insurance companies dictate what care is "necessary," limiting options for therapy, medication, and alternative supports that could significantly improve the quality of life for neurodivergent people. The increasing privatization of mental health services has turned essential care into a commodity, making it available primarily to those who can pay rather than those who need it most.
The pressure to perform, the inaccessibility of essential resources, and the devaluation of neurodivergent ways of thinking and working all create an environment where long-term stability feels impossible for many of us. The impact of late-stage capitalism on neurodivergent well-being is profound, leading to higher rates of burnout, financial distress, housing insecurity, and mental health struggles. It forces us into a system that was not built for us, where survival often depends on masking, overextending ourselves, and navigating complex bureaucratic systems that do not account for neurodivergent needs.
A more humane and sustainable society would prioritize accessibility, flexibility, and well-being over profit. It would recognize that rest is just as important as productivity and that different minds contribute in valuable ways that do not always fit within traditional capitalist models. It would remove financial barriers to healthcare, housing, and employment while creating systems that allow neurodivergent people to thrive without constantly fighting for basic stability. The impact of late-stage capitalism on neurodivergent individuals is severe, but by naming these challenges and advocating for systemic change, we can begin to imagine a world that values people for who they are rather than for how much they can produce.
Ways Late-Stage Capitalism Harms Neurodivergent Well-Being
Employment Discrimination – Traditional workplaces prioritize speed, multitasking, and social adaptability, making it harder for neurodivergent individuals to thrive without masking or burnout.
Financial Instability – Many neurodivergent people struggle with inconsistent income due to job barriers, executive dysfunction, and a lack of accessible career options.
Rising Cost of Living – Inflation and stagnant wages make it increasingly difficult for neurodivergent individuals to afford necessities like food, healthcare, and housing.
Hustle Culture and Burnout – Society rewards overworking and constant productivity, leaving neurodivergent people feeling inadequate or exhausted when they cannot keep up.
Lack of Workplace Accommodations – Many companies resist providing flexible schedules, sensory-friendly environments, or remote work options that could help neurodivergent employees succeed.
Housing Inaccessibility – The cost of stable housing is rising, while executive function challenges make independent living difficult without proper support.
Healthcare Barriers – Diagnosis, therapy, and accommodations are often inaccessible due to financial constraints, lack of insurance coverage, and medical gatekeeping.
Privatization of Mental Health Services – Essential care, such as therapy and medication, is often limited to those who can afford it, leaving many neurodivergent individuals without support.
Exclusion from Economic Mobility – Job networking, financial planning, and bureaucratic navigation require skills that neurodivergent people may struggle with, creating additional obstacles to success.
Unrealistic Social Expectations – Capitalist norms emphasize performative networking, constant availability, and extroverted communication styles, making workplace and social interactions exhausting for neurodivergent individuals.
Over-Reliance on AI and Automation – Workplaces are prioritizing efficiency over human needs, often replacing jobs with AI rather than creating accessible, flexible employment opportunities.
Increased Bureaucratic Complexity – Government benefits, disability services, and healthcare require navigating overwhelming paperwork and deadlines that are difficult for many neurodivergent people to manage.
Expectation to Monetize Hobbies – The pressure to turn every skill or passion into income erases the importance of leisure and creativity for well-being.
Lack of Neurodivergent Representation in Policy-Making – Decisions about employment, healthcare, and economic structures are made without input from neurodivergent individuals, leading to systemic exclusion.
Erosion of Community Support – Capitalism prioritizes individualism over community, reducing access to mutual aid networks and social structures that could provide meaningful support for neurodivergent people.
Ways to Advocate for Change
Support Neurodivergent-Led Businesses and Organizations – Prioritizing businesses run by neurodivergent people helps create more accessible work environments.
Advocate for Flexible Work Options – Encouraging remote work, flexible hours, and sensory-friendly workplaces can make employment more sustainable for neurodivergent individuals.
Push for Universal Healthcare and Disability Rights – Ensuring healthcare is accessible to all would remove financial barriers to diagnosis, therapy, and accommodations.
Demand Affordable Housing Solutions – Policies that provide stable, accessible housing would reduce stress and improve the quality of life for neurodivergent individuals.
Normalize Non-Traditional Productivity Models – Recognizing different work styles and pacing would allow neurodivergent people to contribute meaningfully without burnout.
Foster Community and Mutual Aid – Creating spaces where neurodivergent people can support each other outside of capitalist structures can provide stability and belonging.
Challenge Capitalist Norms About Worth and Productivity – Shifting societal values to recognize that people have intrinsic worth beyond their economic output would help reduce shame and burnout among neurodivergent individuals.
By recognizing the harm that late-stage capitalism causes to neurodivergent people, we can begin to imagine and work toward a system that prioritizes accessibility, well-being, and genuine inclusion.