This is from a personal observational perspective and the reasons/contexts stated are of many different scenarios
Autism Is Not An Excuse For Genuine Bad Behaviour
Autism is not an excuse for genuine bad behaviour – Imagine a circumstance where a person said I have “non-spectrum syndrome” and that is the reason why I did it, that would be appalling, equally so if a person on the spectrum used their Autism for genuine misconduct that would be to.
Equality comes from not only having good things happen in your life but also accepting and taking responsibility in other areas of life too.
Sensory overload. processing and agnosias can be seen as “bad” behaviours even if the trajectory isn’t.
Conscious Negative Behaviours
If the behaviour comes from a conscious to place to hurt and or harm either emotionally or physically (or both) then it’s coming from a different place altogether the intentions, reasons and contexts are completely different to ones stated above.
Sometimes it is hard to know which place and a bit of detective work is needed.
Paul was branded as a “naughty & difficult child” at school. He was classically autistic and non-verbal due to speech articulation difficulties. He had complex sensory issues and appeared both deaf and blind. He gained functional speech around the age of 7 or 8 years old. He went through the mainstream school system with no additional help or recognition of his autism. Consequently, he did not achieve his academic or his social potential and had very low self-esteem.
At age 11, Paul was referred to the children’s mental health service with childhood depression where he was regarded as “developmentally underage” and having speech problems.
As an adult, Paul had a string of unsuccessful jobs, and his mental health suffered. He developed both Borderline and Schizotypal Personality Disorders in early 2007. He was referred to mental health services and misdiagnosed with “Asperger traits with a complex personality”, which did not satisfy Paul or his family. A local autism organisation put Paul in touch with an experienced psychiatrist, who diagnosed him with Autism at 24 years old.
In 2012 Paul was also diagnosed with Scotopic Sensitivity Syndrome by an Irlen Consultant who confirmed that he also had face, object and meaning blindness – conditions which Paul describes eloquently in his speeches and training sessions. He also has dyslexia, dyscalculia and also a dissociative disorder.
Having started working as an local autism organisation as a public speaker in 2010, Paul joined their mission to promote autism awareness. His hope is that others will not have to suffer as he did. Now also a core member of our Training Team, Paul continues to enhance true understanding of autism at every opportunity.
Paul has released and published 5 books on the subject of autism published by Chipmunka publishing and has contributed to other books too.
Having overcome many challenges to achieve the success that he now enjoys, Paul’s message is that Autism is a complex mix of ability and disability. He firmly believes that every Autistic person should have the opportunity to reach their potential and be regarded as a valued member of society.
Apart from autism related blogs Paul also write about movies, fashion, art and anything that is of interest.
As of August 2015 Paul now works as a freelance speaker, training and consultant in and around the Oxfordshire & Buckinghamshire area.
If you are interested please contact him via email at staypuft12@yahoo.co.uk
Paul Isaacs' Blog 