An insider's view of mental health issues in autism

[WolfSpirit]

So, last Easter I finished finalizing a document on mental health issues in autism that was instigated by a family friend's request. It was the suggestion of a personal friend that I formalize what I'd originally sent this family friend, and send it to various places/organizations within my city in an attempt to educate NTs on some of the issues we face, and how they can help the autistics they serve, so I did. I've been thinking it might be of use to people here too, but I'm not quite ready to associate my identity in real life with my identity on here, so I removed the personally identifying information from the version posted here.

It's mostly just 'off the cuff' ideas I came up with from my own experiences, and my knowledge of my (granted, years out of date) friends' autistic experiences. With proper references etc. added. The feedback I've received though has all been positive, and I've been told it's a useful document.

I hope it's helpful for whoever needs it.

 

[Aspychata]

Excellent. Thank you for this resource.

 

[OkRad]

Wow! That is excellent. Whoever you are in real life or on here as our own WolfSpirit, you are doing a great thing to help people understand us. Thank you!!

 

[WolfSpirit]

Wow! That is excellent. Whoever you are in real life or on here as our own WolfSpirit, you are doing a great thing to help people understand us. Thank you!!

You're welcome! Glad I could help! Nice to know that even with as long as I've been out of the loop, I still have useful information to contribute. Especially with all the increased understanding and support that is out there for today's generation.

 

[SusanLR]

That is excellent for someone who wants to understand.

I have such trust issues that I am afraid to let anyone know these things for fear of rejection.
Like the one I live with, an NT, if I showed that to him, he would just say it is too much for him to
handle and most likely show me the door.

 

[SimonSays]

That is an excellent document really well done, thank you for sharing it.

I made myself a few little business cards that I can give to people that say autistic spectrum and Asperger’s. I thought it would be useful in some situations to be able to show it, but for the vast majority of time I forget I have them LOL

 

[John M]

Thank you WolfSpirit. While it's not my up to me of course, I recommend tagging this document as a resource for NTs trying to understand autism. Please at least consider it if you're a moderator. Thank you.

 

[WolfSpirit]

That is excellent for someone who wants to understand.

I have such trust issues that I am afraid to let anyone know these things for fear of rejection.
Like the one I live with, an NT, if I showed that to him, he would just say it is too much for him to
handle and most likely show me the door.

I'm sorry you live with, and are surrounded by such intolerance! It really sucks being around people who treat you that way! When people can't accept you for who you are, and demand that you be someone else, or someway else, it's really destructive to the soul, I think.

I have a question: what does the guy you live with think of your diagnosis? It sounds like he's maybe not very accepting?

I'm trying to think of any advice I could give, but I may still be only partially awake, and so am drawing a blank on anything useful. Just know you're not alone, and we're here for you. Hopefully someday you can find someone gentle and understanding enough that you feel safe enough to take the risk to be vulnerable and show them bits of your true self.

 

[WolfSpirit]

That is an excellent document really well done, thank you for sharing it.

I made myself a few little business cards that I can give to people that say autistic spectrum and Asperger’s. I thought it would be useful in some situations to be able to show it, but for the vast majority of time I forget I have them LOL

. Great idea! I have a similar one that explains I have difficulty communicating verbally and stuff, and with 'emergency contact' type information, but I don't think I've ever used it! Had it for a couple decades now, have to keep updating things like my age, and the contact information. (which includes my autism specialist's name and ph#) every few years, (which I should do again). Such things can be a very good thing for dealing with other people when you're having difficulty. But yeah, the trick is to remember you have it!

Hmm.. I think maybe I've just had enough other devices of various sorts, I've never needed it, or... I dunno, something. For me, it might prove more beneficial if anyone (emergency personnel for example) need to look through my wallet for information etc. . Not that that's ever happened.

 

[WolfSpirit]

Thank you WolfSpirit. While it's not my up to me of course, I recommend tagging this document as a resource for NTs trying to understand autism. Please at least consider it if you're a moderator. Thank you.

Great idea! That is what it was designed for. Not sure whether you were talking to me, specifically, or not, but I'm still working out how tags work and stuff, so anybody who's better at this than me, and in a position to do such a thing, go for it!

 

[SimonSays]

. Great idea! I have a similar one that explains I have difficulty communicating verbally and stuff, and with 'emergency contact' type information, but I don't think I've ever used it! Had it for a couple decades now, have to keep updating things like my age, and the contact information. (which includes my autism specialist's name and ph#) every few years, (which I should do again). Such things can be a very good thing for dealing with other people when you're having difficulty. But yeah, the trick is to remember you have it!

Hmm.. I think maybe I've just had enough other devices of various sorts, I've never needed it, or... I dunno, something. For me, it might prove more beneficial if anyone (emergency personnel for example) need to look through my wallet for information etc. . Not that that's ever happened.

I decided to keep it really simple so I Wouldn’t ever end up with something that I would have to keep changing as I’m not always in a position to be able to do that.

Still, it doesn’t really matter if I only remember I have it after the situation when it would’ve been useful has passed