Aspergers/ASD support thread

seven-day-weekend

Just to tell everyone that my son has had a commendation and his name displayed for excellent Customer Service at Morrison's this week.

So proud!!

kabie

I wanted to tell people that the group I'm part of has launched a new UK wide Autism Alert Card. It's already being carried by people across the UK; from Shetland to Southampton. It was designed by us and is distributed by us, it's not for profit. We are a group of Autistic adults, self funded and self governed (all volunteers, committee etc everyone is autistic), we are totally independant from any other group.

You can see more about the card here: http://www.arghighland.co.uk/arghcard.html

On the website there are other things that you may be interested in, including an audio of a recent visit from Ari Ne'eman, an autistic adult who is part of Obamas administration.

Hope it's ok to post this here.
www.arghighland.co.uk



kabie

Flyboy152

kabie wrote: »

I wanted to tell people that the group I'm part of has launched a new UK wide Autism Alert Card. It's already being carried by people across the UK; from Shetland to Southampton. It was designed by us and is distributed by us, it's not for profit. We are a group of Autistic adults, self funded and self governed (all volunteers, committee etc everyone is autistic), we are totally independant from any other group.

You can see more about the card here: http://www.arghighland.co.uk/arghcard.html

On the website there are other things that you may be interested in, including an audio of a recent visit from Ari Ne'eman, an autistic adult who is part of Obamas administration.

Hope it's ok to post this here.
www.arghighland.co.uk



kabie

Although I can see quite a few benefits in this card, I can also see a number of negatives.

One holder used theirs in the shops when they were stressed looking for money the assistant was getting agitated and tutting, on seeing the card the assistant calmed down and stopped being unpleasant which gave the card holder time to gather themselves.

It has been my experience that, unless the operative is trained in managing such situations, it can have a detrimental effect on events unfolding. The majority of shop assistants are young and poorly trained. They are paid minimum wage and largely treated unfairly by their employers. The most typical reaction is either, at best indifference and at worse fear. In the middle, there is just more of the same attitude as before the awareness of the customers' condition; more agitation and tutting. Except that now the customer has opened themselves to a stranger, laid themselves bare to their indifference and fears.

I recently witnessed a young man (about sixteen) having difficulty in Primark. His friend who was with him, told the cashier that he had Aspergers and she just said that he shouldn't be allowed to go into shops if he gets like that. Then, after they had gone (having to leave their purchases at the check out), they all had a good old laugh at his predicament.

Bumpmakesfour

Flyboy152 wrote: »

I recently witnessed a young man (about sixteen) having difficulty in Primark. His friend who was with him, told the cashier that he had Aspergers and she just said that he shouldn't be allowed to go into shops if he gets like that. Then, after they had gone (having to leave their purchases at the check out), they all had a good old laugh at his predicament.

Woahhh..how did you keep your cool with her??I'd have gone nuts if I heard that!:mad::mad:

Flyboy152

Bumpmakesfour wrote: »

Woahhh..how did you keep your cool with her??I'd have gone nuts if I heard that!:mad::mad:

I didn't!!!!!

Bumpmakesfour

Flyboy152 wrote: »

I didn't!!!!!

oh ok Cannot stand ignorant people like that.Only had it a few times with DS so far xx

Flyboy152

Bumpmakesfour wrote: »

oh ok Cannot stand ignorant people like that.Only had it a few times with DS so far xx

I had a harsh word for all of them. Telling them they should be ashamed of themselves. The queue was quite full as well and I have a very loud voice (am dram is one of my hobbies and voice projection is a handy skill). I had a word with the manager/supervisor (who looked about twelve) and didn't get much of an impression that she gave a damn. So I put a call into their head office, mentioning the DDA etc. I think it worried them a little (not much more though).

Savvy_Sue

Flyboy152 wrote: »

I recently witnessed a young man (about sixteen) having difficulty in Primark. His friend who was with him, told the cashier that he had Aspergers and she just said that he shouldn't be allowed to go into shops if he gets like that. Then, after they had gone (having to leave their purchases at the check out), they all had a good old laugh at his predicament.

I'm so glad you had a go about this. That's appalling!

kabie

Flyboy
You're right the card can't protect us against idiots - sadly.
We offer training too but our capacity is limited.

So far we've had great feedback and as I myself can become nonverbal under stress I feel happier having the card in my pocket. Personally, for me, the card is about communicating what I'd like to say in a high stress situation when I don't feel able to and need a 'prop' or tool to help me.

skater_kat

i have the NAS alert card but find it a bit cumbersome. really welcome a new card. thanks for sharing it.