As we know, most research and support is aimed at autistic/ADHD/AuDHD children and their parents/carers.
While this is of course, important, it means that many adults are left adrift. We need to remember that autistic/ADHD/AuDHD children grow up to be autistic/ADHD/AuDHD adults.
When support is suddenly withdrawn when someone comes of age, it not only sets them up to fail, but it can also be deeply traumatising. This is even more of a concern when one considers the proposed benefit changes in the UK. It is my belief that these changes are targeting the wrong people.
I work with so many intelligent, inspiring people who work incredibly hard, but they are burned out from trying to hold it all together and keep up in a world that isn’t designed for them (and largely doesn’t care to be). It is not that they are not trying hard ‘enough’ at all, they have been trying far too hard for far too long, and something has to give.
Earlier this year, for Autism Acceptance/Awareness month, I noticed that the focus was again, on children and their parents/carers. I contacted some services and organisations to ask that they include information for adults and offer some suggestions. In some cases I was ignored altogether, and in one case, I was met with rudeness and resistance.
I was beyond angry that people-so called professionals, no less-think that this is an acceptable way to behave and to treat people. We need to do better in this day and age.
But for now, I’d like to thank them for provoking the anger that turned into the inspiration for this event.
It has been a challenge to put this together alone and in a short space of time, whilst managing chronic illness (and a hospital visit!) but it was worth it, because it matters, each and every one of you in our community matters.
I would love for you to join us at The Courtyard in Hereford on Thurs the 18th September, from 10am to 3pm for information and signposting, speakers, an activity and more.
Find out more at the event link below: