Published on 12, July, 2020
Just asking because I mostly search in vain for anything useful in this publication. Perhaps I'm not a typical atypical!
I'm just leafing through the winter edition and noticing that most of the articles relate to education, teenagers and,yes, one person nearing 30, but nothing generally for struggling adults and neurodivergent families where all of the members are already adults and coping with the effects of very late identification (my own eventual diagnosis was at age 55).Are there any publications aimed at older people and families? I'm so tired of drawing blanks, especially on subjects like severe breakdown, long term unemployment, chronic burnout/shutdown, "catatonia" (if this is indeed something separate from burnout), severe, long term withdrawal from society, poor personal hygiene (again in adults, especially where the easy options of understanding and accommodating sensory needs - which seems to help in children - hasn't proved so helpful for a very withdrawn young adult). Something on navigating the benefits system on behalf of an adult who refuses to engage with the process would also be helpful. Are we somehow off the map here? I feel rather lost and today this magazine has unfortunately reinforced that feeling. :( Am I on my own with this feeling?
Yes, I think they only come out quarterly so, when they do appear, I want to settle down for some good articles, detailed information and signposting to services.
It's not that I begrudge some focus on children and young adults, especially where there are also learning disabilities. It's just that, particularly this quarter, it seems to be to the exclusion of all else and my family (and others like us) could really do with some decent support and information.
Mind you, I also get tired of seeking help locally when most of the support and guidance is geared towards the under 25s. Again, I'm not begrudging these services but just aghast to find that, having been though so much trauma and difficulty, whilst all the time seeking help (with autism never being suggested even once), it's already too late for most of the support offered.
So really, as a family, we're not functionning very well, we're traumatised and we're left on our own to make sense of it all. :(
Hm I haven't actually received one of those in ages, can't remember when the last one came. I don't remember reading anything good or helpful in them though. Like you I feel left out and lost.
That's good, I will do so myself. The NAS should support autistic people of all ages, so adult and elder issues need to be discussed and supported.
Well, I've sent in my comments and suggestions for topics and, in the hope that more will be covered in future editions, would encourage others to do the same.
You should contact them direct about that, as you can download a PDF version in the members area but you still get sent the magazine in the post even if you don't want it. Really, members ought to be able to opt out of the paper magazine - saves money, trees, etc.
Thanks Mariusz. I'll have a look. I do follow a number of autistic-led groups, trainers and advocates but still finding it hard to find detailed information on the issues that really bother me.
I would prefer to receive a PDF version of the magazine because I do not like that it is not delivered in a plain envelope.
in all my research i found this best source of knowledge
https://autistic-village.com
from our perspective by autistic
Thanks Clare. Will do.
Hi JennyButterfly,
You can provide feedback about 'Your Autism' magazine using the email address YourAutismMag@nas.org.uk
Thanks,
Clare Mod
Good point about the NAS, they should be guiding us.
Yes, i like to meander off the beaten track so there are positive aspects. But it sometimes also feels as though we've hit very rough terrain and we're miles from anywhere without any signposts. This, I thought, would be where the NAS would come in.
I've always felt off the map tbh. The one time I was on the map freaked me out, haha.
I'm wondering whether the NAS have anywhere to give feedback on their publication. Cos really I don't think I should be feeling as though I'm off the map.
Yes. 'what it's like to have lived life thinking you're weird, then getting an autism diagnosis late.' Our behaviour is engrained in us by now and we have to unlearn it.
Yes to this!
Yes. That raised my eyebrows, I have to say.
I find it is mostly for parents with autistic children. I would like something for adults diagnosed late too.
Well, I tend to go for articles and webinars from Academy, the Autistic Advocate, Ausome Training and the like. I don't think I could top their resources, although, of course, we could always add to them. Even there, though, so much seems to be geared towards younger autistics.
But really, before I'm in any position to do so, I need to gain some ground on the situation I'm living in month after month, year after year. So I'm looking for help from someone further down the road than I am when it comes to family issues. The thing is, I'm in a couple of support groups locally and other members don't really know what to do or how to cope either. We kind of just scratch our heads together and share stories. Maybe that's all that's possible but I'm thinking that someone must have found a way through and written up their story.
Yeah, there is that too. Glad someone is happy with the mag though. I'm just struggling to find relevant articles.
I did find one article in a previous issue about catatonia, but it seemed to take a medical/pathologising view and refer to services that, at least round here, just aren't available.
I'm looking for more on neurodiversity and severe burnout but search in vain in the NAS mag.