Please, let's remember to have some compassion.

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Many of us with HFA and Asperger's Syndrome rely on some type of government assistance whether it's disability pension, welfare, food stamps or Medicaid. Some, in our competative job market find it difficult to find gainful employment because of the overt prejudice against people who aren't "team players" or "out-going". Or they may have other mental health issues in addition to AS or HFA that over-stimulating and stressful work conditions can aggrevate, causing melt-downs, depression and anxiety attacks.

While I'd think many of us would be understanding of those who need assistance for basic necessities and medical care, I've been very dis-heartened about the attitudes of many who think people who receive help are somehow taking unfair advantage of the system or worse using their children to remain on the dole. I understand the U.S., in particular, practically worships the idea of "pulling yourself up by your bootstraps" and the "Horatio Alger" myth lives on in society's conciousness. But "Horatio Alger" has very little to do with the daily realities so many people face just to make it from one day to the next. It would be ideal if everyone had a chance from the get-go to work in jobs that substain them and wouldn't have to rely on the system.

If everyone could go to university and find the right connections to land that position that would pay the bills, it would make welfare obselete. Unfortunately, life does not work that way and there are so many variables which can undermine someone's ability to obtain independance be it a mental condition, getting injured or having a developmental disability. We want life to be the predictable, "make good grades in high school, go to college, land that job, get married and have a family, buy a home", you know, the typical American, British, Australian, Canadian, whatever, dream that's universal.

But things very rarely work out that way and many find themselves in a place they never, in their worst nightmares, thought they'd be. Then if there are children involved, multiply that nightmare X how many children they have to feed, clothe and send to school. Yes, there are people who do cheat the system or take unfair advantage of social programs and they should be dealt with accordingly. But to disparage those who count on them like we count on our next breath is not only unfair but judgemental as we often have no clue what they go through each day to survive.

After all, to qualify for aid of any kind often puts the person in a position of being vulnerable since he's pretty much at the mercy of legislators, some who'll love to end social programs all-together. Plus many find it a blow to their self-esteem since they do want to support themselves without help and are frustrated they can't. Add to the fact it often takes, at least, two times using legal help to be granted disability and working during the application period automatically disqualifies one from receiving aid if granted and you see that it's indeed not an easy way out.

I'm sorry.

Have you ever seen Cinderella man?i think its relevant tto this discussion

alex, this would be a great article to post on the homepage, wouldn't it?

Well said, nirrti! Here, here. ::applause::

nirrti_rachelle-That was a point well-taken. I think that what angers most people about government-run social projects is that it discourages some people from really trying to achieve. Some use it as a permanent way of life instead of looking for ways to obtain self-reliance. Also, others try to get assistance by being dishonest.
As someone who has used public assistance from time to time, I personally think that it's easier to be poor and go without! The endless paperwork and ridiculous requirements make it such a headache! (not to mention the fact that you feel if you mess up on reporting "changes in status or circumstances" you are going to be fined, jailed or under surveillance!) Not to mention meeting with social workers and feeling like an idiot and being treated like one. It's very humiliating. Not fun. Not easy. Really, it sucks.

Indeed, excellent point. Having the innate ability to make the right connections (socially) is essential to obtaining and sustaining employment. An aspect that is generally ignored by those that have the ability to make connections.

KingdomofRats wrote:
If people have a problem with other people being on disability benefits for higher functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders [or indeed,anything else],that is their choice,but it shows ignorance if they cannot understand that not everyone can function the same as them.

Who is to say those on benefits are not going to be financially contributing to society at another point in their lives? who is to say,they have contributed less to society than those currently working?
If a person is unable to cope at a workplace because of their disability [whether by social or medical model]they should use what services and funding is available to them.









I hope you didn't take my post to mean that I think less of people who are on public assistance. I don't. I've been on it before out of necessity. I think it's good that we have a society that attempts to help those who need it and just because they cannot work or provide enough sustainance to maintain a life free of assistance, doesn't mean that they don't contribute in countless other unmeasureable ways unrelated to dollars and cents.

Is this a joke, Sophist? I wasn't referring to the government in those comments you highlighted! I was referring to the recipient of government assistance!
(Did I just make a fool of myself?) (oh well.)

I suppose that's what social workers are for.

I thought maybe you were, since you are one of the greatest smart-a**es I've ever known. I'm just so used to being misunderstood I wasn't sure for a minute. (I guess I did make a fool out of myself!)

Wow! Good luck surviving.

So much for the theory that you can run to the government and get a free and easy ride.