Just let this research finding sink in (press on the link for the details)

Autistic people are four times as likely to experience depression over the course of their lives as their neurotypical peers

In the UK the approach is that parents have to fight tooth and nail for any kind of support. The fortunate ones who get some support find out all too frequently that support starts to be withdrawn around the teenage years. Adult autism support is basically non existent for the vast majority.

In our little family world Hawklad is struggling. His anxieties are on the rise. He is stressed out. Trips outside of the house and the garden are currently impossible for him. We are fortunate in that we do have access to some psychological support. Sadly from a Team who are stretched to breaking point. But we still have some support. For how long that support continues – who knows. He’s a teenager. This is the only support he gets now as all the other services have already been withdrawn.

How many other of autistic families are facing the same challenges. TOO MANY. How many autistic adults have been let down by society. TOO MANY.

This is grim.

61 thoughts on “Grim”

  1. It is wrong. Our children, no matter their age, need support. While my son’s issues were different, I had to fight tooth and nail to get him what he needed. And that was years ago. Now with what we are facing, it has to be worse.

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  2. It’s definitely grim! April is approaching and with it, Autism Awareness Month. It’s grim that so many people STILL don’t understand what autism even IS.
    No wonder they have a higher percentage of depression. Being constantly stressed out, or misunderstood, or bombarded by sensory “noise” , all while trying to get by and live some kind of “normal” life…🙄

    Very grim indeed! That sky isn’t grim though. The rays of light coming down from the clouds are hopeful!! Let’s look to the sky!😉💌💌💌

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  3. Support for ADHD children here in the states ends once they turn 18 and insurance stops covering meds. There seems to be some idiotic consensus that age 18 means all cured,no support needed,be it autism,ADHD,etc. And it starts in early teens,sadly,as if weaning them off needed support is helpful. Utter rubbish.

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  4. I’m sorry you have to struggle so much to get proper support.

    I once read a stat that said anyone who experiences clinical depression is 33% more likely to experience it again. I think I’m over 100% now.

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  8. That is damn scary! No doubt this pandemic and the associated risks, lockdowns, etc., haven’t helped. I wish I had some words of wisdom, some sage advice, but sadly I don’t. Just know that I care … I wish I lived closer than 4,000 miles and could offer some real support. Hang in, my friend. xx

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  10. What we saw when we were running the project on the farm was that the kids of articulate or pushy parents got more resources than others, so you aren’t just short of resources, you are in a competition. It starts badly and ends worse. Good luck with sorting things out.

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  12. Yes it is grim … but so is life and we get on with it. At least Hawklad has a wonderfully supportive parent with his father and just how many autistic children don’t have that from both today and the yesterday’s of our time? It makes a huge difference. Sadly autism and depression walk hand in hand like loving comorbid buddies. But we always have a choice as well to be depressexd or not. So not all grim, all the time.

    That aside, here’s wishing you a lovely morning and day ahead Gary 🙂

    Some tunes from Eric and Rory from hahaha Rory 🙂

    Universal Greetings

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  13. It is sad. Catelyn’s school would not acknowledge her autism diagnosis. They diagnosed her with depression. She’s been misunderstood and without support – told to fit in even when to do that would cause her great physical and emotional discomfort. It is just sad.

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  14. It is grim. Speaking for personal experiences… Hawklad is probably in for a hard life with many obstacles. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be a good life. My life is not perfect but it’s not all bad. Happiness is definitely within his grasp. Don’t give up hope. 🙂

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  16. Not only grim but heartbreaking, my biggest fears are that in the wake of the pandemic the fabric of social supports right across the board will be frayed almost beyond repair. So many parents of teens, young adults, and adults are already struggling to support their offspring with little to no help. So many lives with so much potential! It is hard not to get depressed. But I do believe in the maxim, “look for the helpers and they will appear”. Somehow or other we will struggle through whatever challenges present themselves.

    Because Hawklad has had such such a steady rock in you he will survive. You are teaching him so much by your example, more than you could possibly know, by the way you handle all these maelstroms you have been thrown into – the way you use humor is one such coping skill that your son will also come to master. Keep on doing what you’ve been doing. He is watching and taking it all in.

    Sending hugs and positive energy to you and to Hawklad as well.

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  18. I was thinking how sad, but grim is more accurate. I’m so sorry. Here in the US so many have no healthcare at all. Our state has subsidized healthcare for children if you’re poor enough, which I believe ends at 18. I am very fortunate that my husband’s job gives our family good health insurance, but once our son reaches somewhere in his mid twenties he’ll have to have his own.

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