Fable
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.
Fable, late 20s, is autistic. He has schizophrenia and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD).
In primary school, Fable was non-verbal.
‘I was isolated from my peers, and due to complex behaviours had alienated most of the staff, and I had a difficult relationship with my family.’
Fable said this made him an ideal target.
A teacher groomed and sexually assaulted him over a three-year period.
‘Something people do not often understand about child molesters is that they are usually very opportunistic but selective with their targets. It's not just about attraction for them, it's about who they feel they can get away with hurting. Often this means children with disabilities.’
In high school, Fable started seeing a counsellor who referred him to a child psychologist. Since then he has seen numerous psychologists and psychiatrists.
‘But finding someone who either specialises in or has a meaningful understanding of autism in adults is extremely difficult. Often people will downplay the severe impact of autism by saying, "Oh I think we're all on the spectrum," or "Just because you're autistic doesn't mean you're any different."’
Fable has asked for a referral to a psychiatrist experienced in CPSTD and autism. But there is no-one with this experience in the public health system in the area.
Fable is on welfare and can’t afford a private psychiatrist.
‘I will need ongoing lifelong support.’
At the moment, Fable is ‘totally dependent on family’ for most of his emotional and financial support.
He’s scared if something happens, he would become homeless.
‘Homelessness is an absurdly common outcome, and only half of social housing applicants with disabilities are ever offered a pathway into social housing,’ he said.
Fable believes the NDIS needs to be more flexible.
‘Allowing NDIS funding to be used on things like housing, legal aid and so on, would allow people with disabilities to organise solutions to these problems and pose meaningful systemic action that is focused toward actually preventing future issues.’
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.