Yet Again

You're right Perdu and Giddy. Accounts in the press and on this forum about the abuse of autistic people in Assessment and Treament Units make it clear that very urgent action is required. It is no exaggeration to say that lives are at risk, and sanity too.

Naively, I thought an autism diagnosis would prevent behaviour being misunderstood and inappropriately punished. I wrongly assumed Assessment and Treatment Units would aim to mimimise distress and encourage coping and self-soothing strategies. 

If the person being abused (or a relative or supporter) speaks up, the establishment moves in and attempts to destroy their credibility. There are so many precedents - Connor Sparrowhawk and Sara Ryan, Beth and her Dad, other cases we cannot name. 

I'm still reeling from the fact that Alexis had to flee the country and live in exile to be safe. Fortunately she had the resources to save herself, but most autistic people don't. We need to feel safe, we need to feel understood, we need to feel confident that Assessment and Treatment Units will not abuse us.  

We need confirmation that NAS is pursuing this with the utmost rigour and urgency. 

The people responsible must be held to account for this appalling abuse.  

If that happened to me, there would be no one to take care of Daisy.  She'd probably starve.  I'd kill myself.

If that happened to me, there would be no one to take care of Daisy.  She'd probably starve.  I'd kill myself.