Brian
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.
Brian has an acquired brain injury and was diagnosed with autism in his late 30s. Now middle-aged, Brian told the Royal Commission he has been discriminated against, stereotyped and ignored by Australian society for most of his life.
‘My existence has slipped through the cracks, it has been like I have no voice or am invisible. Society attacks me for my eccentric behaviour, or worse, stereotypes me as mad or insane because of my trouble with social cues or communication … so I became a virtual recluse... terrified of social interaction.’
Brian has also experienced discrimination from employers. He wants more to be done to prevent employers and society discriminating against people with hidden or non-apparent disabilities. ‘Stop the stigma,’ he said.
Brian told us he is now seeing a psychologist and has found some solace in making and sharing art, with help from a support provider.
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.