I have a problem

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I need to know if this guy is discriminating against me and what I can do. You see, I'm going to an anime convention at the end of the month right? Well, the guy in charge refuses to provide me with accommodation for any of my disabilities. Now he will let my mom be with me at all times but that is all.

I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome as well as ADHD, Anxiety, mild to moderate mental retardation and a learning disability. I also have a hard time hearing certain things. Often times I can hear things I don't want to hear but I have trouble hearing things I need to hear. Anyway, he refuses to provide me accommodations to be at the front of the line, be seated in the front row and not being required to sit up because of poor motor coordination. I also have the mind of a ten year old in a twenty one year old's body and the emotional development of a 2 year old.

I went last year and had almost two or three panic attacks the whole time I went and it only took them till the last day to realize my position and disabilities. I've even gotten written documentation from my psychiatrist about this and providing me with accommodations to prevent this attacks but he still says he won't do it.

It really bothers me because I can't handle not seeing the voice actors I've dreamed of seeing. My biggest obsession is anime and its my soul, my life my everything. If its not pursued in some way then that's when a meltdown occurs. This guy refuses, no matter what I have, to provide accomodation. In other words, if he says I can't have those accommodations everyone else who works their can't provide me with them either.

I'm really upset about this because its driving me insane. Its already bad enough being embarrassed dropping to the floor and crying for mercy when no one gives a crap you have problems with development, social and other things. I could really use some help in other options to prove to him that he needs to do provide me with proper accomodation. I want to know what I can do to prove to him he is going against the American Disabilities Act. But I just can't find anything involving a convention held at a hotel. It gives me nothing.

So please, I beg you, help me before the end of the month comes before I have a nervous breakdown. It would really help me alot because I'm at the end of my rope over how ignorant and stubborn this guy is being.

It would be unusual to be diagnosed both with mental retardation and AS. People with AS usually have average to high average IQ's

Perhaps you have HFA instead.

I hope that you get the help and the services that you need, soon.

Well, I'm not really sure what they diagnosed me with. All they told me was I had Autism. D: It's really hard to say if it is since it varies on different levels. >_<

But still, I'm more concerned over the way this guy is treating me. It seems so unfair that he's not giving me what I need and I want to know if I have other options to prevent me from embarrassing myself.

I mean you guys can relate to having meltdowns if your interests cannot be pursued in anyway you want them to be, right? I just feel like I'm being isolated when all I want is to prevent from people getting hurt. Yet, this guy refuses to see the danger and I feel that if he doesn't give me accommodation, he's going to make matters worse just by kicking me out.

I want him to realize its for the good of everyone attending and for me to enjoy it meltdown-free. D:

What accommodations are you looking for? In a private business, there are levels of accessibility that have to be met. But unless it's something covered by the ADA (employment and education) he's probably not in violation. I know that's not what you want to hear. He'd have to allow a companion animal or a caregiver (like your mom) but that is probably about it.

I just need to be seated up front or placed in the front of the line. It's really hard for me to have to not have my interests pursued or I can get quite upset about it and its not a pretty thing either. I mean even my psychiatrist thinks that he should be able to provide me with more assistance since I have a hard time with hearing and sensory issues. Let alone being prone to meltdowns when my interest in anime is put on the line.

You may have a case about being seated up front if you have a hearing problem. But I'm not sure if cutting in line is an accommodation.

But it boils down to: conventions are voluntary and a private business (like a hotel) is not required to cater to your interest in anime. I'm sorry if that sounds harsh...how have you approached this man? Are you more diplomatic than you are here? Because if I was unfamiliar with ASD and meltdowns it sounds a little like "I'll have a tantrum unless I get my way." And people are not going to be receptive to that kind of argument. The law gets really tricky because entertainment events are not really considered a civil right, and are probably not covered by the ADA.

Are you genuinely mentally ret*d or do you score low on IQ tests because of your autism and learning disability? I have a difficult time believing someone with mental retardation would be able to articulate oneself as well as you're doing. Scoring as mentally ret*d doesn't equate one to having mental retardation.

You can pursue your interests in another way than attending this event, I'm sure. I don't believe they are under any obligation to accommodate you.

In Canada, you could sue that guy for discrimination. Here, all organizations and such have a DUTY TO ACCOMODATE and if they don't, the people being discriminated agains have legal recourse. If it is private, such as that convention, the Canadian Human Rights Commission can ORDER them to accomodate and if they don't, that order has the same standing as a Court Order since it would then be registered with the Court of Queens Bench .IF the organization refuses that, then they are in contempt of court.

well, someone is spoiled.

That wasn't the issue, Chronos. You aren't qualified to diagose him, either. Why not concentrate on what OP is needing help with?



If you don't believe it, don't answer. If it isn't true, and you respond like this, then you've just fed a troll. If it is true, you end up looking like a really big jerk.



exceedingly unnecessary.

I'm disappointed in these responses, and the way some of you seem to want to tear each other down.

@OP: I'm sorry if these guys made you feel bad, remember that we're all struggling with our own dysfunctions. I'm not sure they meant to come off so negatively toward you.

I think you may have to prepare yourself for some discomforts that day. It sounds like going isn't really optional for you, but you can do what you can to make sure you get the best possible seat the old fashioned way: gettting there early and standing in line--or having someone do it for you. I bet there is a fortune to be made paying people to hold your place in line. Bring some ear plugs and something to cuddle. You may not get front row, but I bet you can get a good seat.

Well, I have one thing that always makes everything better. (Also, I'm a girl, lol. XD) It's an autograph picture I have of the one Japanese Rockstar I really adore. He's the one person who can actually make me stop crying in a split second.

Anyway, about me having mental retardation.

the mental retardation affects me as far as daily skills go. In other words, I'm unable to hold a job because if stress factors and also having massive anxiety problems. But then I also have trouble being able to do laundry or doing the dishes and stuff like that.

I know its kind of complicated but each one affects me in a different way.

Uh...oops. Sorry.

Hey, take that picture with you so you have something to soothe you if it gets intense.

The way you describe your impairment, it sounds mainly emotional, not having to do with intelligence. Aspies and Auties frequently will have trouble with stuff NTs have no difficulty with--not because we have less mental capacity, just that our nervous system is different. There are ways to cope. Structure. Clear instructions. Reminder lists. I hope you get a great seat for the con presentation.

Hey, here's another idea...have you ever done any cosplay? I find sometimes that if I dress up and pretend I'm someone else...I can have an easier time in situations like these. It can also make me feel conspicuous sometimes, and stared at--but I know that a crazy wig or hat or a mask can do a lot for my ability to cope sometimes. Heck, half the folks at the con will be all dressed up, it might actually make you less conspicuous.

Uh...oops. Sorry.

Hey, take that picture with you so you have something to soothe you if it gets intense.

The way you describe your impairment, it sounds mainly emotional, not having to do with intelligence. Aspies and Auties frequently will have trouble with stuff NTs have no difficulty with--not because we have less mental capacity, just that our nervous system is different. There are ways to cope. Structure. Clear instructions. Reminder lists. I hope you get a great seat for the con presentation.

Hey, here's another idea...have you ever done any cosplay? I find sometimes that if I dress up and pretend I'm someone else...I can have an easier time in situations like these. It can also make me feel conspicuous sometimes, and stared at--but I know that a crazy wig or hat or a mask can do a lot for my ability to cope sometimes. Heck, half the folks at the con will be all dressed up, it might actually make you less conspicuous.

Uh...oops. Sorry.

Hey, take that picture with you so you have something to soothe you if it gets intense.

The way you describe your impairment, it sounds mainly emotional, not having to do with intelligence. Aspies and Auties frequently will have trouble with stuff NTs have no difficulty with--not because we have less mental capacity, just that our nervous system is different. There are ways to cope. Structure. Clear instructions. Reminder lists. I hope you get a great seat for the con presentation.

Hey, here's another idea...have you ever done any cosplay? I find sometimes that if I dress up and pretend I'm someone else...I can have an easier time in situations like these. It can also make me feel conspicuous sometimes, and stared at--but I know that a crazy wig or hat or a mask can do a lot for my ability to cope sometimes. Heck, half the folks at the con will be all dressed up, it might actually make you less conspicuous.

Uh...oops. Sorry.

Hey, take that picture with you so you have something to soothe you if it gets intense.

The way you describe your impairment, it sounds mainly emotional, not having to do with intelligence. Aspies and Auties frequently will have trouble with stuff NTs have no difficulty with--not because we have less mental capacity, just that our nervous system is different. There are ways to cope. Structure. Clear instructions. Reminder lists. I hope you get a great seat for the con presentation.

Hey, here's another idea...have you ever done any cosplay? I find sometimes that if I dress up and pretend I'm someone else...I can have an easier time in situations like these. It can also make me feel conspicuous sometimes, and stared at--but I know that a crazy wig or hat or a mask can do a lot for my ability to cope sometimes. Heck, half the folks at the con will be all dressed up, it might actually make you less conspicuous.