Does anyone struggle with this thought..

[Judge]

Why wouldn't you get citizenship? I'm in Australia too, and a citizen now as well (born in England). I don't recall ever being asked if I had any condition like Asperger's Syndrome or autism; it just never arose, although I have to confess I was very young at the time, it was back in the 1970's, and it's possible they may have asked my parents if any of us had anything that would have disqualified us from becoming citizens.

It seems that your family for whatever reason, escaped scrutiny of Australia's Migration Act when immigrating. But then you wouldn't be asked about having Aspergers Syndrome in the 1970s either.

http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/re...a/news-story/02b91be7758e5090c03e50910a7391c6

 

[hiraeth]

I have also read about several cases of qualified individuals getting denied visa or immigration status in Canada because they or a family member had an autism diagnosis on record.

It is a legitimate concern to have.

As for my part, there are already plenty of things on my medical record that I would much rather it not be, but I have no choice if I want to access vital medications. So I don't really worry about it anymore. It is uncomfortable and, to me, downright ugly whether or not autism is added.

 

[RecklessMick]

Oh yes yes, another person who thinks the same as me!

Well I used to fear this a lot more and as I age I care less, but it still scares me a little - the thought of 'specialists' being able to control your life, as they conclude that you are unable to yourself (and I know I can run my life!). Yes, it's a scary thought, if you have a sort of Autism or something which may require attention - I know this feeling well and actually happy to see I'm not alone.

There's nothing more scary than losing your independence. But I wouldn't worry about it, we're tough, we'll fight the 'system' if we have to - remember that none of us are alone and we are stronger together. I don't think it would be wise of the 'system' to push us around too much.

 

[RecklessMick]

And yes when I was in school I was constantly hounded by the special needs people, they monitored my every action and they always thought they knew what was best.

It really hurt my popularity too, no kid wants to be around the kid that is constantly hounded by lame adults and has 'special needs'.

It's over now, though. I'm pretty independent now save every once in a long while I go to a certain person for medication.

 

[granolaturtle]

That sounds like poor forethought. Doesn't Canada recognize the potential for contribution found at the Aspergers end of the spectrum...?

Others on different parts on the spectrum can contribute too and are just as valuable and worthwhile as human beings.

 

[Crossbreed]

I have two LFA children. I don't doubt their worth for a second.

 

[granolaturtle]

I have two LFA children. I don't doubt their worth for a second.

Why did you phrase it as though only people considered "Aspergers" made contributions? Especially since that isn't even considered a diagnosis anymore in many places.

 

[Crossbreed]

Why did you phrase it as though only people considered "Aspergers" made contributions? Especially since that isn't even considered a diagnosis anymore in many places.

In DSM5 terms, "Aspergers" is still shorthand for "autism without cognitive deficits." Even if it isn't an official term, it is still descriptive of a range within the spectrum.* That end of the spectrum is the most capable of self-supporting employment and most relevant to the topic of employability. As one moves toward Kanneresque autism, they become less employable (and less interested in employment, the factor that affects immigration), but they are no less valuable to those who care about them.

*We call grapes purple and apples red. If we refused to recognize those distinctions, we would have to call them rainbow-colored, because both colors are present on the rainbow. While true, it makes no descriptive sense.

 

[MalcolmKratz]

This is something I have always feared but have never admitted to anyone (ever) the fear that the Asperger's diagnosis could subject me to control by the "system". I used to fear being thrown into an institution or group home and having my every right taken away from me subjecting me to me controlled by a caregiver and the Mental Health system. This may be a stupid fear but i have read stories of this happening to people or their children on the spectrum.

This has been lurking in the back of my mind since I was 16 and my file was "reopened" back in '06 once again slapping me with the asd diagnosis (before it was undecided during childhood and I was left alone). Between the ages of 16-18 I had the system hovering over me with a lot of workers assigned, mandated appointments and they even sent a woman to follow me around at school for "support". It was a nightmare.

I do understand this fear, I have the same feeling. Sometimes holding back in therapy because my mind goes so quick and far that I experienced my therapist wouldnt understand theories I would explain (which fellow students would) and would suggest me starting to take pills to suppress my brain a bit (highly intelligent).

I have been holding back almost always ever since, also with anger. Therapists asking questions as if I'm a stupid kid, or talking in a patronizing way. It kills me inside, but I have the feeling I cannot start this discussion (at least with my last psychiatrist) since they would directly start about meds. Sometimes even slightly suggesting institutionalization.

Creeps me out..

 

[Mr Allen]

My Parents have been trying to get me in Residential care for years, but I keep refusing, I've seen those care Homes, and a) I'm nowhere near old enough yet to go in one and b) even if I was, the care sucks, they leave you to vegetate in front of the TV while they do their work, which wouldn't be a problem if the rest of the residents were compos mentis enough to interact with.