What is Autonomy?

I turn it on and off throughout the game. Just depends on what I’m trying to have my household accomplish. Like skills or tasks for their careers. (Yes, I know that filling out reports isn’t fun but do it anyway) Also birthdays. It’s very irritating when mom or dad adds the candles and just when junior goes to blow out the candles, they all go off to dance. Celebrate that poor kids birthday! Geez.