Adults With Autism

[Wojcik]

There are around 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK – that's more than 1 in 1001. If you include their families, autism is a part of daily life for 2.8 million people. Autism doesn't just affect children.

It's a topic that is rarely discussed, but most of us have experienced family members or friends who have been diagnosed with autism, especially in their adult life.
I have a friend who was diagnosed later in life and she has struggled on a daily basis just to act what is seen as the "norm" how society instructs us to act like. I wasn't sure about what autism was and how it affects people's daily lives who have it.

What are your experiences with people with autism, whether it is a friend or loved one. I think It's a topic that is worth discussing and learning about.

 

[JustinCredible]

An interesting post it made me think of a brother of mine . .in his younger years he was very 'normal' girlfriends..clubbing..motorbikes etc but over the years he's developed into a Roy Cropper (from Corrie) character . . more and more he's living in his own world and struggles to interact when you chat to him but he appears to be happy with life and i suppose that's all that matters really . . .

 

[Wojcik]

An interesting post it made me think of a brother of mine . .in his younger years he was very 'normal' girlfriends..clubbing..motorbikes etc but over the years he's developed into a Roy Cropper (from Corrie) character . . more and more he's living in his own world and struggles to interact when you chat to him but he appears to be happy with life and i suppose that's all that matters really . . .

My friend also experienced this. She suffered from an abusive relationship for many years, which resulted in a child being conceived. But she seemed so different back when i first knew her. She was so full of life and loved to socialise with people. But her attitude did change over the years and she doesn't seem to be the same person i once knew.
Unfortunately, she's been struggling with anxiety and depression, which does come with being autistic. Thankfully she did seek help as she was feeling very low and suicidal. The doctors have given her sedative tablets for morning and night time, because another problem with autism is disruptive sleep patterns.

 

[Wojcik]

I have worked in mental health as a support worker for adults with severe mental health problems such as Autism and Asphergers.

The thing about Autism is that it affects each individual differently. I'm still learning about it myself, and i started to read up about it when my dear friend told me about her diagnosis in 2012. I was truly heart broken. And i can't believe that technology hasn't advanced enough to provide further and she comfort to those who do suffer.
And she keeps telling me that she dreams about her own funeral and mentions that she's dying. It's sad because here is a young woman, who is nearly thirty two, musically gifted and has a young five year old daughter that she absolutely adores. I always tried to stay positive though and say to her that she's going to enjoy a long life, but perhaps I'm subconsciously refusing to come to terms with losing a very close friend.

 

[midget_gem]

The thing about Autism is that it affects each individual differently. I'm still learning about it myself, and i started to read up about it when my dear friend told me about her diagnosis in 2012. I was truly heart broken. And i can't believe that technology hasn't advanced enough to provide further and she comfort to those who do suffer.
And she keeps telling me that she dreams about her own funeral and mentions that she's dying. It's sad because here is a young woman, who is nearly thirty two, musically gifted and has a young five year old daughter that she absolutely adores. I always tried to stay positive though and say to her that she's going to enjoy a long life, but perhaps I'm subconsciously refusing to come to terms with losing a very close friend.

hopefully ur friend gets the help she deserves and needs. does she get support from social work? I have been here personally my son was tested but is not on autism spectrum. he has how ever a invisiable disability dyspraxia and anxieties. I also deal with it work wise supporting adults with learning/physical disabilities rewarding but changing at the same time. and why would u be losing a close friend be there for her in what ever shape or form it be because it is a journey.

 

[midget_gem]

hopefully ur friend gets the help she deserves and needs. does she get support from social work? I have been here personally my son was tested but is not on autism spectrum. he has how ever a invisiable disability dyspraxia and anxieties. I also deal with it work wise supporting adults with learning/physical disabilities rewarding but changing at the same time. and why would u be losing a close friend be there for her in what ever shape or form it be because it is a journey.

oh and very interesting and beautiful topic to bring up makes a change.

 

[Wojcik]

hopefully ur friend gets the help she deserves and needs. does she get support from social work? I have been here personally my son was tested but is not on autism spectrum. he has how ever a invisiable disability dyspraxia and anxieties. I also deal with it work wise supporting adults with learning/physical disabilities rewarding but changing at the same time. and why would u be losing a close friend be there for her in what ever shape or form it be because it is a journey.

Yeah she told me that she felt like throwing herself in front of a train, but thankfully realised it was wrong and managed to get some help. She's taking morning and night tablets at the moment, which make her very drowsy and tired, but they keep her in a calm state.

I don't want the journey to end. She's one of the most loyal friends I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. I guess all the talk from her asking if i would attend her funeral does make you feel down.

 

[septemberwoman]

There are around 700,000 people on the autism spectrum in the UK – that's more than 1 in 1001. If you include their families, autism is a part of daily life for 2.8 million people. Autism doesn't just affect children.

It's a topic that is rarely discussed, but most of us have experienced family members or friends who have been diagnosed with autism, especially in their adult life.
I have a friend who was diagnosed later in life and she has struggled on a daily basis just to act what is seen as the "norm" how society instructs us to act like. I wasn't sure about what autism was and how it affects people's daily lives who have it.

What are your experiences with people with autism, whether it is a friend or loved one. I think It's a topic that is worth discussing and learning about.

 

[septemberwoman]

well said lets educate people to the real world

 

[Wojcik]

As an adult, who was finally diagnosed with Aspergers and A.D.H.D, some four years ago. It is interesting to look back and see why certain aspects of my mental health effected my life. As a kid, I was painfully shy. Lacked self esteem. I could say not having a father figure in my life may have played a small part. But I doubt it. Anxiety. Much to the extent that in 2006 I had an un diagnosed mental breakdown. Needed to pass a theory test in my job application. Something I was not aware of, when attending the interview. I had not done the theory test for over twelve months. The physical effects were permanent. As mentioned. There is greater anxiety in Autism. I do have a higher sense of intelligence. But offset by yet another problem that has an effect on brain chemistry. A totally non functioning thyroid gland. I am a lot stronger than I used to be. I think life experiences help to build your outlook on life. Plus believe in yourself. Your self esteem. Love who you are. Have that self confidence. I will never be free of some of the problems that my mental health brings. But I have the power to overcome others. And be aware of the shortfalls that can happen.

Thank you for speaking out on your own personal experiences. I know any parent with an autistic child reading this, will give them some empowerment and hope for the future.