Shelley
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
Shelley is in her 30s. She is autistic and has intellectual disability. Shelley told the Royal Commission her disability impacts on her life ‘dramatically’. She is ‘treated differently and constantly misunderstood’.
‘I have issues socially and I feel that I'm not heard compared to others all the time.’
Shelley told us she doesn’t get the support she needs, either from home or from her support providers.
She said her mother gives her no help and leaves her ‘to stress and struggle alone’.
‘My mother has failed to provide care or support for my autism and I feel it's also the reason I'm misunderstood and that my internal needs are not being addressed.’
Shelley told us she experienced domestic violence at the hands of her brother. When she told her disability support worker about it, she told Shelley it was her fault and she should take care of it herself.
‘She let me down. Her bosses told me off. I have been tormented by her actions …
‘No matter who I tell or what I do or don't do, I'm in the same situation regardless. That because of family abuse or neglect I'm a victim of abuse all round as I'm left on my own to deal with things …
‘Things worked well when I have the right person and that they don't give up on me or make things my fault all the time.’
Shelley thinks there should be more support for adults with autism.
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.