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Supporting my brother?

27bfisher

Hi, 

I wonder if I could borrow thoughts.

Five or so years ago my brother who is autistic, and hasn't worked, his anxiety levels / ability to engage with people is very limited by a mixture of being on the spectrum, growing up in the seventies being on the spectrum and being offered no support, and going to a school where physical / verbal violence was regular throughout the school. 

- About 5 or so years ago, after ruminating for some time (it's not really possible to see when he's really feeling unwell). My brother told us about neighbours making lewd suggestions that he was in some way interested in children.

- Almost the same thing has been said to me about him (by one of the neighbours).

I'm not quite sure why the neighbour thought telling me about a vulnerable person I am very protective towards is capable of any form of interest in children (or adults). I informed the neighbour my brother is scared of people (and avoids any /all contact where he can) 

I too have a strong mistrust of people having watched how my brothers care was bungled in his childhood. 

I feel the only roite to proceed is report this - repeated abuse from fully grown adults - looking at a person who is truly scared of people (young or old). 

Im worried what would happen. Is there any other alternative to speaking to untrained police officers?

Kate F

  • I’m really sorry - how awful for your brother and for you. So difficult to know how to approach this too. Do you think having another word with the neighbours could be at all helpful? Do you think they have the capacity to see the error of their ways? You could have one more try if you think there’s a chance. 
    Otherwise maybe you could have a chat with the police to ask for their opinion on this, and to see what they would recommend. They might be able to have a friendly word with the neighbours involved to de-escalate the situation. I wish you luck - this must be so upsetting for you both.