PJ
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.
PJ is in his 50s. He was recently diagnosed with complex post-traumatic stress disorder and autism. ‘It explained everything to me,’ he told the Royal Commission. ‘It didn’t necessarily make things easier − life is still hard work, I just understand why I am the way I am.’
PJ said he has had negative experiences with support workers who seem to have no understanding of autism, ‘low levels of executive function’ and are unable to give him the support he needs.
He feels socially isolated – to the point where he sometimes feels suicidal – because of ‘a lack of awareness of understanding, and acceptance for people on the spectrum’ more generally.
‘Most people are oblivious ... they don’t see it so they don’t believe it. People lack understanding, are judgemental … My experience is that there is a huge amount of bullying … Bullying is just so common. Isolation is huge. Social isolation … gets worse when your symptoms get worse. Most people don’t get that.’
PJ recently transferred from the Disability Support Pension to the NDIS, which he describes as ‘a shambles’. ‘[It is] so complex and complicated it’s hard for any person to navigate, let alone people with disabilities,’ he said.
‘NDIS is meant to make life easier but it makes it harder and more challenging.’
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.