Paternalism

The practice of making decisions for others based on the assumption that one knows what is best for them, without adequately consulting or empowering them to make their own choices. In disability contexts, paternalism manifests when parents, professionals, researchers, or technology companies position themselves as knowing what disabled people need better than the disabled people themselves. Autism tech marketing frequently reinforces paternalistic structures by addressing parents as decision-makers while positioning autistic individuals as passive recipients of care. Paternalism undermines disabled people's autonomy, agency, and self-determination, even when motivated by genuine concern.