Autism Show 2025

There are events in Birmingham & Manchester too ....  (June/July) 

I didn't even know there was such a thing, is this another example of autism being comercialised? What happens at these show's?

You (could) always argue that there's a (large) element of that going on. 

You (could) always argue that there's a (large) element of that going on. 

TheCatWoman said:

I think they'd add to my irritation at nt being able to do them

These are more like things you fiddle with in the repetitive sense, rather than puzzles like a Rubik's cube.  They don't drive you mad, they give you something to do with your hands and stop you going nuts. 

I have anxiety too, but I think fidget toys would make me worse, maybe I have the "wrong" sort of anxiety. I think they'd add to my irritation at nt being able to do them like, I am wih rubics cubes, I end up wondering what the attraction is, are they worth the money and what sort of person really cares about being able to solve them, But maybe thats my lack of competitiveness showing again?

TheCatWoman said:

but do ASC people need fidget toys?

I have a confession....   I have quite a few....

Then again, I do have anxiety and I may well have ADHD too according to the rudimentary online test I did - I never saw the need to pursue an assessment on ADHD though.  

That makes sense, personally I would have thought that the last thing ASC people would want to cope with is a big show, I've been to some years ago and they're loud and overwhelming.

Now pardon my potential ignorance, but do ASC people need fidget toys? I thought they were more for ADHD people, although I know a lot of people are both. To me this does seem like a money making thing and potentialling exploitative? From what I've seen there's none near me so I won't be going anyway.

I guess I view it as a balance. I have replied to both of you so I hopefully answer both. I liked it. I stayed away from the all the exhibitors apart from the two autism in adults charities - one commercial and one run by volunteers. The talks were varied. The main people there were not autistic adults. The quiet room was an issue. I guess I wanted to ask the question to see what my friends on here and new and old members thought. Hope that makes sense. xx

TheCatWoman said:

Why have you used words in brackets?

Because I think it is open to perception.  Some will think it is a commercial fair-type enterprise, others think it is all entertaining and enlightening, and seeing trade stalls and such is just par for the course.  

I didn't particularly want to get into a debate - or to annoy the thread creator that seemed keen on it, but I do believe there's a huge element of cash raising going on.  

Why have you used words in brackets? The way I read them totally changes the tone of your post and what you're trying to say?