I Had Asperger Syndrome. Briefly.

I would add also that there is an established myth about aspergers, widely prevalent amongst GPs and other health workers, that it is "something you grow out of".

There's a reason why that myth persists, despite NAS Campaigns and the Autism Act:

Children on the autistic spectrum are very visible, focus of scientic research, main focus of funding, and because education is compulsory, exposed to an analytical process that brings to the fore concern about "difference".

Adults on the spectrum are invisible. Many are in institutions. Many are unemployed and in special housing or poor standard accommodation (as DaisyGirl explains). They don't have jobs. They don't have representation. They disappear after age 18/21.

The only way that will change is if the needs of adults are given a higher profile. NAS is trying to do that. But it may be necessary to embrace the concept that some people on the spectrum can achieve. Because that is one way of raising the profile.

Temple Grandin is clearly affected by AS but succeeds. That gets attention. In the UK the message seems to be "don't show your head above the parapet" (infamous metaphor in this country), because you'll damage the image of adult aspergers as a group of helpless needy people. Might be largely true. But the image isn't helping the profile needed to resolve the problem.

Bet that'll stir up a few protests. Glad of this forum.

I would add also that there is an established myth about aspergers, widely prevalent amongst GPs and other health workers, that it is "something you grow out of".

There's a reason why that myth persists, despite NAS Campaigns and the Autism Act:

Children on the autistic spectrum are very visible, focus of scientic research, main focus of funding, and because education is compulsory, exposed to an analytical process that brings to the fore concern about "difference".

Adults on the spectrum are invisible. Many are in institutions. Many are unemployed and in special housing or poor standard accommodation (as DaisyGirl explains). They don't have jobs. They don't have representation. They disappear after age 18/21.

The only way that will change is if the needs of adults are given a higher profile. NAS is trying to do that. But it may be necessary to embrace the concept that some people on the spectrum can achieve. Because that is one way of raising the profile.

Temple Grandin is clearly affected by AS but succeeds. That gets attention. In the UK the message seems to be "don't show your head above the parapet" (infamous metaphor in this country), because you'll damage the image of adult aspergers as a group of helpless needy people. Might be largely true. But the image isn't helping the profile needed to resolve the problem.

Bet that'll stir up a few protests. Glad of this forum.