You can totally keep all sorts of bugs inside as pets.
I think it is cruel but if u like it then it is ok.
As long as they are happy even if in my opinion they are happier outside.
But as an autistic you need ur joy even if it is having pet bugs
I am genuinely curious as to why you imagine that it is cruel? Perfect temperature, ideal humidity, perfect variety and abundance of food and nutrients, zero predators, huge space...with exceptionally few exceptions, you cannot argue that they lack from the mental stimulation of an open world, and it's not like I am keeping flying species, like butterflies, that require open air.
Because they like being free.
They like their lives exploring the world and being in the dirt and crawling on leaves and crawling inside if they want some more adventure or get lost or seek water or shelter.
I think bugs are adventurous.
I do not think they like being contained in tanks and containers
I think they can be friends to humans in their own ways in a way we do not get in the way of their lives or threaten them so you can look at bugs outside, if u want one that does not bite to crawl on your hand you can try but if it does not want you to, leave it alone. You can hunt them and get a magnified glass.
I think humans should be as kind to bugs as animals. I gave up killing spiders but still get scared.
I think if u see a bug inside and it does not bite you let it crawl on a face washer then put it somewhere safe and let it crawl away.
And you should try not to step on ants which can be hard but if you see a trail try to avoid it.
But if u do not want to discontinue your interests then u do it. As an autistic u should pursue what makes u happy