I've often wondered about this. I think being tagged gifted instead of autistic was probably better, but then I learned to believe I wasn't trying hard enough since I was supposed to achieve so many great things. I wish I'd found the right "fit" for employment...something technical...then I wonder, was that even possible? It just feels we are set up to be overwhelmed, misunderstood, marginalized and for the most part, broke. My husband has done better; he doesn't have ADHD so I'm not sure if that's the difference. I think being male helps in the workplace, though.