Happy World Autism Acceptance Day/Week/Month!

Albus_Scope

Today marks quite a special day for many of us.  Not only is it Autism Acceptance week (Otherwise called Autism Awareness week) but it's also World Autism Acceptance Day AND Autism awareness month! 

This month and especially this week, which has been recognised since 2008, gives us all a chance to share our stories and help raise awareness to the world about autism, our struggles and our strengths.  It is sometimes called Autism awareness week, but many charities felt this title was a bit ableist, so instead use "acceptance" over "awareness" as an alternative for all events, under the belief that it promotes overcoming anti-autism prejudice rather than simply increasing awareness of autism

Autism cases around the world are on the rise, with more children diagnosed and receiving therapy than ever before. The theme of World Autism Awareness Day this year is 'Empowering Autistic Voices,' aiming to provide more support and power to individuals with this condition to lead meaningful lives and pursue successful careers.
 
As a late diagnosed autistic person, I'm forever grateful to Scope for their support in helping me in the work place, so giving us a voice is super important. Only 29% of diagnosed autistic people are in work and I feel if people use their voices more so governments pay attention to us and offer more support, that number could soar.

Are you or anyone you know doing something special to help raise acceptance toward ASD? Let us know! 

Albus_Scope

I'm so sorry to hear that @Ada unfortunately medication had been the usual way of dealing things in the past for so many.  It's only been more recent that they've moved onto talking therapies and such, which really can be helpful, I'm speaking from experience.
 It's worth mentioning your mental health to your GP though, they can't help if they don't know. 

Bashford61

Good morning all, as an Admin of A local Facebook group you would think I should have known it was Autism /day/week/ month I did not but do now ! . I wonder if anyone in my group knows? Better go look I guess . 

Albus_Scope

Haha, it does seem to sneak up on us each year and doesn't get a lot of press unfortunately! I hope you can spread some joy in your group @Bashford61

Bashford61

Albus_Scope said:

Haha, it does seem to sneak up on us each year and doesn't get a lot of press unfortunately! I hope you can spread some joy in your group @Bashford61

well, I just Informed them   A little surprised one of the other Admins/members did not mention it While I was on the subject. does Scope have representatives that visit local groups like ours ? or Be willing to post a piece about what Scope does for our community?  I was surprised that scope deals with Autism to be honest I think many in our group would also be. 

Albus_Scope

Glad they're now informed.

Scope covers all disabilities, ASD included! I'm not sure if people visit local groups, but I'll ask about writing a piece. Since getting my diagnosis two yeas ago, ASD turned into my hyperfixation, so advocacy is something I'm very passionate about now.

Zimba

For the people that have had a good response when getting their diagnosis that’s really good to hear and I hope it continues to get better for all in the future.
I am sadly with @Ada on this, Autism can be traced back to my grandmother and we are at four generations later. I can remember being told that my grandmother went through a terrible time and was given electric treatment and was medicated, in her later years she developed Parkinson’s and I often wonder if it was from the treatment she received in her younger years.  
I still think there is much more that could be done, it shouldn’t be just down to charities. The Gp’s and Doctors should have more awareness on how to approach/ask questions some of us reply in the moment and not in the past, annual medication checks are done via a nurse or the pharmacist in my neck of the woods, getting in to see a doctor is almost impossible.
From my experience I feel there is very little support out there for adults, when you reach 18 there is next to nothing in my opinion, or it may be the case of it’s a postcode lottery of where you live. The last diagnoses in my family was 20+ years ago, and I was given a book to read and sent on our way. 
I really hope changes are coming for the young ones of today and tomorrow, I guess it’s small steps but those small steps make a difference to some. 

Bashford61

Albus_Scope said:

Glad they're now informed.

Scope covers all disabilities, ASD included! I'm not sure if people visit local groups, but I'll ask about writing a piece. Since getting my diagnosis two yeas ago, ASD turned into my hyperfixation, so advocacy is something I'm very passionate about now.

Thank you

Bashford61

@Zimba I was diagnosed at 50 but only after a suicide attempt.  When I was diagnosed I asked what help for an adult with Asperger's existed you may not be surprised the answer was None!  lucky I found a local group and I really think it was a lifesaver for me. I do wonder how many people do not have that support.

Albus_Scope

my 'support' after my diagnosis was literally a link to The National Autistic Society and that was it.  It's been a long journey of self discovery. 

I'm so sorry to hear about your grandmother @Zimba that's horrific! But at the time, I guess it was seen as the right thing to do. I'm thankful we've progressed so far from that at least.  I'm hoping I can at least give people on the spectrum some help here.  

Zimba

@Bashford61 I’m afraid this is the case for many sadly and support is lacking across the board of spectrum’s, not just in Autism. I’m so pleased you found your group that support you, that’s great, my family member has done this and it’s really helped them as they all understand each other and no offence is taken when they are direct. I’m around your age and still looking for my people, I just stay on the perimeter of the NT world and it’s exhausting, but with age I’m caring less and less of what people think 🙂.

@Albus_Scope I’m pleased you have had a positive experience, that’s great to hear and I’m hopeful it will continue to get better for the young ones of today and tomorrow. You are brave you to come on here and support others, I wish I could but I hide and try and fit in, I guess it’s because I’m also a parent of AC who’s also Autistic and I support them… nothing like protecting your cubs no matter what age they are 🙂 to give you the fire needed to help them battle through, but that makes me last in the
queue after the dog 😁 but hey I’m fine with that has seeing them happy makes me happy.

Bravers

Thank You.

Albus_Scope

Sorry @Biblioklept I totally missed your reply as I was off for a few days! I totally agree, people are very quick to say sorry when you tell them about a new ASD diagnosis. The real question should be "How do you feel about it?" and offer some support. 
 I remember how messy my brain was for a while after my diagnosis, especially as you're just given the diagnosis, the website for the National Autistic Society, then sent on your merry way.