It's Not Just Me

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http://www.cnn.com2013/05/30/opinion/el ... ?hpt=hp_t4

This doesn't have anything directly to do with autism-- or anyway it's not mentioned in the article, though people being coerced into study participation and having their opinions and wishes directly and explicitly ignored is definitely relevant to our community.

Things like this are why I am TERRIFIED of asking for help, and why I advise others against doing so.

It's not a case of, "There's nothing wrong with me." I know there's something wrong; I profoundly wish there were caring, compassionate, considerate, knowledgable professionals to whom I could turn for help (and refer other people, considering how many autistics and others there are looking for ways to manage medical problems and improve mental functioning in day-to-day life.

It's a case of, "I'd like to make things better, but too often asking for help ends up making them worse instead."

Again, I don't think it's entirely an autism thing. I think it's worse for us-- lacking the skills to communicate with the NTs perfectly 100% on their terms, we're more likely to be bullied, ignored, misunderstood, or simply rolled right over because people are frustrated with us.

I think a lot of those of us who are aware of the condition are more likely to let it happen-- I know in my case, every time I attempt to stand up for myself (or even ask for something I want or need), I hear that "little voice in the back of my head" saying, "Don't be a pain. Stop perseverating. Don't appear self-absorbed."

But-- it's not just us. Medical mistreatment happens to all kinds of people. It happened to my mother; it ended up killing her. What's to be done about it????

I'm not interested in a bureaucratic solution. We've had bureaucratic solutions; that's how we got into this mess. What's an individual to do, or what signs are we to look for so we can get away from an individual or an institution that is likely to behave in this manner before it gets too far out of hand???

The link doesn't work.

Anyhoo, after reading your post I think I understand what you're saying and if I do then I agree.
The problem as I see it is that the healthcare community sees itself as above criticism and so do way too many of its customers.
Until people wake up and become more critical it won't change.
Personally, I keep my dealings with the healthcare world to a minimum.

I fear of being misunderstood than do You have some alternate plan for recovery? See basically a healthcare professional never gets frustrated from his clients and their problems but instead feels good to solve one and get people back to normal life track. Be bold enough and then make a visit. Autism or whatever everything has a solution.