Re: Oops. Artistic Bents. and But what about the over-35s?

[Guest guest]

Hello Lunnon Bobby,

I have done such a double take myself... you are note alone.

This happened to Ian. Once, in a crowded public house when trying to impress Young Ladies At The Bar, Ian explains to the wholesome lasses that he is autistic (trying to get 'em to see beneath his rough exterior etc) and one of them sqeauls 'oh I love Artists!'

I was hovering nearby nursing my gin and tonic, cynical and tutting about Ian's attempt at boyishness, overheard this, and had cause to spit my drink out during prolonged laughter attack.

Hence, he is now calling himself an artistic autistic...

You are right on the second point. Working for Tourette Scotland it is clear that those less able to be diagnosed in the days gone by, have not only suffered from their condition but have also suffered from prejudice or misunderstandings too.

I do think, though (as with Tourette's) the understanding and diagnosis of ASD has improved even in the past few years, so that can only help the older ones with gaining understanding, albeit far too late. The problem might be, is the damage done, and what do you do to soothe that?

Indeed, there should be services in place for 'after the horse has bolted'?

I think that Aspires does much to help the later-on diagnosed people, who finds out about ASD and the mist lifts. We have seen a number of older people posting here for the first time. I wonder if there are specific support groups for the older person, late diagnosed, for whom the revelation is both a wonder and a curse (for all the lost times before)?

Services? The cuts in this country mean that the support needs are concentrated on school years (where the statutory money is embedded) and even that is not fulsome - once anyone with particular needs leaves school, they have had it, irrespective of their condition.. IMHO.

Judy B, Scotland, avoiding the hullabaloo of Lunnon 'Lympics.

From Judy Barrow

To: aspires-relationships Sent: Thursday, 26 July 2012, 23:51Subject: Oops. But what about the over-35s?

I very nearly made a fool of myself in front of the Internet world when I read this on Facebook:

Arlene Paculan

26 July 10:49

The Artistic Self-Esteem Workshop hosted by Mississauga Arts Council is almost a week away! August 3rd! open to 12-35 year olds. And it's FREE! 5:00pm-7:00pm. See you then!

Huffing and puffing I added my comment:

Why the upper age limit? Autism doesn't magically vanish at 35. Moreover the over-35s on the spectrum didn't have the advantage of early diagnosis now available in our school system and are routinely marginalised by age discrimination like this. And I indignantly pressed 'Post'.

Then I re-read it and noticed that the notice said 'Artistic' not 'Autistic'. Oops. Never mind. Fortunately FB has a delete option for second thoughts on the comments. But what about the over-35s on the spectrum? It does seem to me that support is heavily aimed at the young and the old are left to flounder.

Bob