Neurodivergence and accountability in free software

Drew DeVault responds to the argument that criticizing Richard Stallman's behavior is ableist because Stallman may be neurodivergent. Drawing on conversations with dozens of neurodivergent people, DeVault argues that using neurodivergence as an excuse for harmful behavior is itself ableist — it infantilizes ND people by denying them agency and perpetuates stereotypes. Neurodivergent contributors quoted in the piece emphasize that autism explains social difficulties but does not excuse sexism or harassment, and that accountability is both appropriate and expected. The post also offers practical guidance for free software communities on genuinely supporting neurodivergent members: clear codes of conduct, asynchronous participation options, sensory accommodations at events, and treating ND individuals as autonomous people rather than stereotypes.