I think you misunderstand - Education is good, but it is not an equalizer when it is just the default requirement in a given field. Other factors come into play based on your free time. It’s hard to do an unpaid internship, make connections with peers, or take on extra skill training when you’re forced to work a full time job just to go to school.

And being neurotypical isn’t a merit one earns. If I don’t inherently understand how to socialize outside of work or build team spirit, that’s extra work I have to do outside of actually doing the work I’m paid for.

How is that rewarding merit and not just the circumstances you inherited?

Edit: I don’t want to go backwards. I want to go forward to a time where we don’t screen for people based on their ability to smile and attend Christmas parties. We can get there by not accepting this as normal or fair.