Some horror stories could involve the lack of educational or vocational support. Adults with autism often need specific training to develop skills for independent living. If in a state ward, they might not get access to such programs. For example, they could be deprived of learning basic life skills like cooking or managing finances, which are crucial for their future. This not only affects their quality of life but also their chances of reintegrating into society in a meaningful way.
First, proper staff training is essential. Staff should be educated about autism, its different manifestations, and how to meet the specific needs of autistic adults. For example, training in handling sensory issues can make a big difference.
Well, there are cases where autistic adults have had horrible experiences in housing. For instance, landlords might be reluctant to rent to them because of the fear of 'unusual' behavior. Some autistic adults have also faced problems in social relationships. They might be excluded from social gatherings or events because people don't understand their way of communication. And in educational settings, if they decide to pursue further studies, they could encounter educators who are not equipped to support their learning needs.
One horror story is about a patient who was constantly left alone in a cold, dark room. The nurses rarely checked on them, and they felt abandoned and terrified. It was like being in a prison rather than a place for treatment.
One success story could be a child who was previously very withdrawn and had frequent outbursts. After starting Risperdal, they gradually became more calm and started to engage in social interactions. For example, they began to make eye contact and respond to others' questions more appropriately.
A boy with severe autism used to be extremely withdrawn. But after getting involved in a music therapy program, he started to open up. Now he can play simple musical instruments and even performs in small local shows. This has improved his social skills and his ability to focus.
One success story could be a child who initially showed regression in language skills. Through intensive early intervention therapies like Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), they gradually regained and even surpassed their previous language abilities. Another example might be a child who had regressive autism and with the help of a specialized diet, such as the gluten - free, casein - free diet, showed improvements in behavior and social interaction. There are also cases where children with regressive autism made great strides in school after being placed in inclusive classrooms with proper support from teachers and therapists.
There was a child with autism who often had meltdowns due to sensory overload. Chiropractic adjustments seemed to help regulate their nervous system. As a result, they became less sensitive to certain stimuli and were able to tolerate more social situations without getting overwhelmed. Also, a child who had problems with fine motor skills showed improvement in writing and using utensils after regular chiropractic sessions.
One common psych ward horror story is about overcrowding. Patients are crammed into small spaces, leading to lack of privacy and increased stress. Another is the misuse of restraints. Sometimes, patients are restrained not for safety but due to staff negligence or abuse of power. Also, there are stories of misdiagnosis. Some patients are wrongly diagnosed and given inappropriate treatments which can have long - term negative impacts on their mental and physical health.
One common challenge is social isolation. In many adult autism stories, they struggle to make friends or be part of social groups. They may find it hard to understand social cues and norms.
One horror story could be dealing with the lack of understanding from schools. For example, an Autism Warrior Mom might face a school that refuses to provide the necessary accommodations for her autistic child. They might not understand the importance of a sensory - friendly environment or individualized education plans, leaving the child to struggle in a mainstream setting without proper support.