Share How Autism Has Affected Your Life
My daughter is 25 years old and has recently been diagnosed with Level 1 Autism (Asperger Syndrome). Life for us has been quite a struggle as I am physically disabled, but we are a team, and depend on each other for support.
View MoreWho in your life has been affected by autism and how?
My daughter had shown traits of asperger syndrome from about 7 years old, she would get extremely upset by certain noises, sights and textures, she clung to me all the time and would get very stressed when I had to leave her to go to work (I worked nights). She would have meltdowns on a daily basis and was bullied for many years at school. Her peers didn't want to know her and I was always being told I was a bad mother and she was just 'attention seeking'.
Where is your loved one on the spectrum?
She has level 1 autism. She has only recently had a firm diagnosis, she is now 25 years old. She still has meltdowns and suffers from anxiety and depression and she self harms. She finds it hard to stay in employment, and her relationships suffer due to other peoples ignorance and unwillingness to try and understand her. On the positive side, she is very artistic and creative, and she is very good with young children, she shows patience and loves teaching them to do crafts. She is very honest and loyal. She loves animals especially her cat. I have often woken in the night to find her making things, or playing with her cat, she seems to have no concept of day/night time!
What do you wish people would understand about autism?
I wish people would realise its not something they will grow out of. If you really care about the person, you would research the condition or ask her! and show more understanding.
