Are Autistic People More Likely To Have Both with The Police and Council

NAS93846 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

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

Thanks Iain you are a top person.All that is happening my friend and I have joined a pressure group that campaigns against CPWS did you know they disproportionately dish them out to pole with Autism and mental illness.

I will keep ole updated on here.

Anyway life not all bad am meeting some wonderful people on this journey.

Another interesting observation, I have started wearing an Autism lanyard it seems to make little difference how people engage with me in the great outside world .

Does anyone else find this any advice?

NAS93846 said:

the Council were aware of all my concerns and got me to keep a light diary

I would imagine with this you have a clear cut case to have the CPW dismissed.

Keep constantly updated documentation on their and your actions, recording there whenever possible and stick to the letter of the law - I think you may be able to get a restraining order on them in the end if they don't tone it down once the CPW is gone.

It would also be good to have written to ask the council what format of interaction would they recommend - i.e. how to ask the neighbours to switch it off because it is causing problems for you.

If the neighbours take issue over this then you will have more than covered your back in any ensuing claims. Just remember to record it (body cam or mobile phone ideally with you giving a little introduction with the date / time and purpose of each interaction before leaving your house.

It shouldn't need to be this bad but some people can be complete bottoms.

Thanks so much for this yes it is a long story but the Council were aware of all my concerns and got me to keep a light diary then they just replied saying basically there was nothing they could do.

The neighbours also were aware of the upset it caused and after initially for a while being understanding they then started weaponising said lights going out till the small hours and leaving them on.

Then as I say I have had all this turned on me saying because I have asked more than once I am harassing ! 

Hence the CPW Nice

NAS93846 said:

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

I think the light issue is unlikely to be considered an issue unless they are directed to shine directly into your window - there is information here on how to base a complaint:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/artificial-light-nuisances-how-councils-deal-with-complaints

The key parts of the criteria are if the lights

- unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises
- injure health or be likely to injure health

I think this will be considered from the point of view as a neurotypical person and is likely to only be considered if the lights have been put up since you moved in.

I'm not sure how much your autism will be considered in the complaint to be honest and have little confidence that those assessing the complaints will understand the impact.

Noise will need to considered similarly too I suspect. Guidance on it is here:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/noise-nuisances-how-councils-deal-with-complaints

Again the criteria is if it:

- unreasonably and substantially interfere with the use or enjoyment of a home or other premises

Just because you are highly sensitive may not be enough to prevent your neighbour being loud if this is their criteria for enjoying their home too. I just wanted to make sure you understand that it has to work both ways and they need to be unreasonable.

It may need you to speak to the council to establish what evidence needs to be produced so you can prepare for this - I would imagine a decibel meter to record the sound levels (while videoing you making the recordings and establishing the time).

From experience these cases are incredibly hard to prove and make stick without a lot of backlash from the neighbours so you may want to consider if it is worth the pain.

Good luck with whatever you choose.