More support for autistic adults

I would like to bring to your attention the lack or (non support) many autistic adults face. I’m a campaigner for adults who are autistic or have aspergers who when they reach the age of 18, there is no help available whatsoever.

I have aspergers myself and was diagnosed in Coventry eighteen years ago and have been looking for support ever since, a bit like me trying to find gold in California after it’s all dried up. I was like many autistic people bullied at school and college because I was ‘different’. But now I can put a name to my condition.

Many people with Asperger's fall between the cracks, and here is why we find getting any support is 'non existent!' Autism is neither a learning disability, nor a mental health problem. This has led to autistic adults falling between the two services:

Learning disability teams refuse to become involved where someone’s IQ is too high – it needs to be below 69 to qualify for a service – while mental health teams turn these individuals away because they don’t fulfil their 'criteria' either!

I have googled autism and all that comes up is a load of spiel about parents and their autistic children, and nothing for adults at all.

Some people with autism will have an accompanying learning disability, or mental health problem, which may qualify them for a service. Although this will generally be for the accompanying disability, and not for the problems associated with autism. As a result, many adults are left to cope alone. This includes women who tend to mask their autism more then men so they are more likely to be missed.

Asperger's often creates anxiety in sufferers because of their inability to deal with situations which others take in their stride, a situation I have experienced.

Professionals can’t understand that some of us can’t cook a meal, but could write a report on the Russian revolution.

I am also part of several autistic and aspergers groups and put out a call asking people in these groups what they wanted, and what could be improved.

Most said they felt 'abandoned', and found it very complicated to get help.

This is a sad way of the world that many autistic adults are living in. I would like to change attitudes and get the help and support that so many Autistic and Aspergers people need, without feeling ashamed and worried we are being a ‘nuisance'.

Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.