I've noticed a huge shift in peoples opinions towards autism since I've had my daughter and I do think it will affect the overall help available to people with

I've noticed a huge shift in peoples opinions towards autism since I've had my daughter and I do think it will affect the overall help available to people with autism. The more you add higher functioning people to the spectrum, the more people don't see it as a debilitating mental illness. Whenever I mention to someone these days that my daughter has autism, they don't really get what that means. They say things like "oh, is she really good at math" or "my coworker has autism too". And I'm thinking no she doesn't really understand even the most basic math, she'll likely not ever be able to have a real job, and who's going to take care of her when I'm gone because she needs help all day every day just to get through the day. I strongly believe there needs to be a clear distinction between higher functioning people on the spectrum and the people that are really struggling with the most basic aspects of life. Anyway, I get that people have different opinions, that's just mine. :)