Published on 12, July, 2020
Dear All,
I have recently been diagnosed but my close family and friends knew I had Autism all my life.
Over the last 2 years or so I have started to experience so much bother with neighbours.They just don't understand that the way my Brain is wired I communicate differently and respond differently.
I am very kind and gentle and mean no harm however these people have made my life hell group bullying and making out I harass and stalk because on some occasions when I have made reasonable requests I have been ignored.I ask again then I get accused of the above.
They have managed now to get the Council to issue a CPW remember the old Asbo nice! They have also got the police now to investigate and I am in limbo while I rigorously defend myself.
Luckily I have found professional support and have a wonderful Sister to support me but at times I have felt fed up and down by all this.
it seems from my understanding that Society has not got a clue about Autism and expects myself to engage the same way as a non Autistic person.I have tried to use the example of would you punish someone in a wheelchair for not being able to run.The term reasonable adjustments is superb but seems to have no currency.I even sometimes wear an Autism Lanyard and get no consideration.
Ayone got any thoughts or had experience of this
Cat Loving Man said:it seems from my understanding that Society has not got a clue about Autism and expects myself to engage the same way as a non Autistic person
This is absolutely a thing - it doesn't help that autism is a fairly recently recognised "condition" whereas before most people were completely missed off unless they were non verbal.
Increased awareness will take time (probably decades) to filter through society and we all have to face the prejudices from the ignorant in the mean time.
I would make sure the police are supplied with a copy of your diagnosis and of the NAS guide to dealing with autists:
https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/professional-practice/police-custody
This should shift the way they deal with you to the point they have to point out to your neighbours that they are harassing a disabled person for what is effectively their disability.
Lastly, in terms of doing something about your neighbours, I would start collecting evidence of their bullying - recording when you are talking to them, installing a Ring doorbell (or similar) and documenting everything.
What things were they doing to make you complain in the first place?
Iain thanks so much we have CCTV. What they were doing is overusing outside trip lights which drives me insane as I am light sensitive making excess noise deliberate obstructions of driveway etc.I just used to ask politely and was accused of harassment.We have CCTV and are doing as suggested but thank so much for your support.
How are things with you