Beeba
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Beeba is in her early 70s. She has struggled with different issues over the years and found it a relief when she was finally diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) much later in life.
‘I really feel that I was lucky, even though it didn’t happen until I was 60 … I’m a bit like Pollyanna where I’m trying to turn a bad thing into a good thing.’
Beeba had worked as a journalist and described Asperger’s syndrome as the ‘perfect skill set’ for someone in that occupation.
‘You have to be a loner, you have to be objective … you have to be interested in facts.’
But she did experience personal difficulties, such as an inability to make friends and form lasting relationships. Now she mostly avoids socialising with others.
‘I find just going to random places where I’ve got no control over the people. Like, even a book club, that is a potential hazard for me because people are going to judge me … because I’m not like them. You know, I’m not married, I don't have children and I’m not planning overseas trips.’
Beeba’s dog was her closest companion for many years.
‘He just died and I realised how much I put all my emotional needs and my social needs onto him … Now I’ve lost him, I realise I have to be more proactive, but try and make more contact, but do it more selectively.’
She has connected with other people with autism and ADHD through Facebook, one group in particular.
‘It’s about adults who make the most of the enthusiasms, our quirkiness, how we view the world differently, how to make the most of it. And I think that’s – that is definitely the way to go.’
While positive about her diagnosis, she still feels distressed about the shame and rejection ‘dumped’ on her over the years.
‘And that’s really almost – well, it is – it’s worse than the actual disability. Because the disability, once you know about it, you can learn how to manage it.’
Beeba is considering moving interstate to access more support.
‘You try and get help for people my age with autism – I don't think that’s ever going to happen. Too hard. They’re putting all the resources into the children. Fair enough,’ she said.
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.