Autism: a hidden disability

[eyarita]

meaning you cannot see it if you look at a person unlike say someone with Downs Syndrome

[fireicer]

If one asks them a yes or no question they usually never answer it. they ignore it, change the subject or respond with "what" we would generally repeat the question with that response but there not saying they did not hear the question, there saying they did not understand the question that's the difference. It is very difficult task but earn there trust they will listen and appreciate your patients when you explain things, most of all slowly. There is a really great person underneath afterall

[fireicer]

Its hidden because people dont see, really see, many walk around blind. These people do every effort every energy in there body to try and behave the same as others. When they get older some giveup on this. when you ask them a question or even speak to them, there reaction is odd because they dont understand and a so called normal person(s) would label them as a freek strait away and never ever realize its autism. Thats why its hidden.

[TheSchemer1]

If autism is such a 'hidden disability' then how come people make such a bloody big deal out of it.

[MrPresidentToBe]

@TheSchemer1 Because it is crippling for sufferer. We might look almost normal on the outside, but as soon as you meet someone like I, you will know somethign is up. ALthough a lot of normal people mistake it for rudeness, aloofness etc... I was bullied severely because I dont like socialising. Everyday is a constant struggle trying to figure what the hell people want, and mean when they talking to you.

[MrPresidentToBe]

If they want more people to be aware, why dont they go to bbc or itv news?

[attilayhn]

yeah, a hidden disability which made you chimpies discover e=mc^2, time dilation-lenght contraction-non absolute simultanity, evolution happening by natural selection, calculus, electromagnetism, electric fields, quantum physics etc etc... woow... a disability eh? ignorance sells....

[Applet2]

What about the cost to society by not maximising ability that could be generating revenue contributions to the government, becoming a contributing part of society. This could be achieved by providing the right support, the comparative cost of which is very little. This with the sense of inclusion that an honest day's work creates for the individual, the ability to practice social skills which a supportive work environment gives, and a sense of purpose. These are JUST as important.

[Applet2]

There are financial reasons why the Government should be interested in supporting autistic people, particularly higher up in the spectrum because it is documented that people are frequently unemployed or underemployed. A lot of tax could be paid to the Government from those individuals able to do so, if only given the required support. Autistic people want to do a hard day's work! But the Government must support it, and at the right level for the person, be that high medium or low.

[dynasue77]

Here in Australia, support is severely lacking. People with conventional mental illnesses get more support than Aspergers people. It isn't very good when, despite your intelligence, you still can't get any job and participate fully in adult society.

[xiphocostal]

@dynasue77 I agree. There is so much more understanding for bipolar people, or even alcoholics and drug addicts. They are given help and understanding - whereas we are just treated as weird or retarded. I don't suffer from autism, I suffer from the bigotry and arrogance of others.

[NadezhdaRozagy1]

Great video. Very important points raised!! I totally aggree. But speech needs some work. For example, you can't say: "People on the Autistic spectrum disorder". It is incorrect. "People on the Autistic spectrum" is correct. Factwise, and people do NOT SUFFER from Autistic spectrum disorder - Autism doesn't cause suffering. Lack of understanding does. Perhaps, if people in this video used less stuffy language it would be easier to understand. But idea itself is superb!

[rslag123]

Yes, agreed, (from another autistic) autism doesn't cause suffering - it is the lack of understanding which does!

[CJEB4]

My 5 yr old does suffer every day. Food allergies, intestinal discomfort, headaches inability to speak or communicate in any way, severe hyperactivity, heart palpitations, eating plaster out of walls, exzema, asthma, self injurious behavior, etc. I believe what you're referring to is aspergers syndrome, not kanners syndrome. They are on the same spectrum but entirely different disabilities. It is the fact that you communicate which leads me to believe you have Aspergers not Kanners