What kind of things would you include in a specialist center
Hello. He is a hypothetical question. But would appreciate your answers. I was wondering (from your own perspective).
If you knew someone who was designing a specialist center for people who suffer from the entire span of Autism Spectrum Condition, what would you include in this center in terms of facilities, staff, courses, drop in rooms etc etc.
I am quite new to the ASC thing as have not long received a diagnosis however from my own perspective and frustrations I would include the following:
Sound proof / light proof room (for people who are over stimulated due to sensory processing problems).
Relaxation or "chill out" room, with big comfortable bean bags and sofa's. Relaxing music / ambient noise and relaxing slow visuals/colors (color therapy).
Courses:
courses on dating.
courses in stress management.
courses in communicating.
Courses in how to dance with a partner (this came up recently for me. Apparently I am rubbish at dancing with a partner in the traditional sense. What can i say, I am a child of the rave generation. Ball room dancing I never considered was necessary...lol
Sex therapy (or sex surrogate! if legal in your area. Help people with disabilities overcome any problems and perhaps get good at sex. Karma Sutra here we come!)
I would also include specialist employment services.
Any other ideas welcome.
I don't know if this fits the category, but staff trained to educate and support the families of people with ASD, especially those just diagnosed or seeking a diagnosis, would probably be useful. My family's denial that I could possibly have ASD has resulted in me receiving no help (with social skills etc.) even though I really need it, and also them discouraging and berating me constantly.
Also, sessions for ND people to socialise with each other, and talk about ASD-specific issues, would probably be useful. I don't know about the situation for others, but I have no one with whom I can discuss ASD (apart from here), and feel quite isolated.
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Diagnosed: Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1 without accompanying language impairment
I find it easiest to connect with people through the medium of fandoms, and enjoy the feeling of solidarity.
Too often, people say things they don't mean, and mean things they don't say.
Although I have Asperger's, I don't consider myself suffering with it. I believe Asperger's has given me gifts along with challenges, and everyone has challenges and gifts. With that said, I would include (as others have stated) a room that would be quiet and not overly stimulating. I believe this kind of room should exist (if possible) in any autistic's home. The color scheme should be relaxing, perhaps a soothing blue or green hue (though others may prefer other colors). It should include a relaxing chair. It should be a room that removes from the autistic person anything that causes he or she sensory discomfort. And once in the room, that person should be allowed to indulge in any special intense interest he or she has, even if it means absorbing into it in a meditative state.
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"My journey has just begun."
Free coffee, Cuban Cigars (rip Castro), extra large beanbag chairs & an unlimited supply of twinkies.
I'd probably move in.
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Prof-Diagnosed: Aspergers Syndrome (I still call it that!), Dyspraxia, Dysgraphia
Self-diagnosed: ADHD-PI, Social Anxiety, Depression
Treatment: 5-HTP, Ginkgo Biloba, Omega-3, Pro-Biotics, Multi Vitamin, Magnesium
Good wood workshop
Good electrical Workshop
Good electronics test benches.
Good metalwork shop.
C -----Joking mode on :
A bus shelter type structure outside where NTs can go to have a meaningless social chatter break
C ----Joking mode off
Some good Membership deals with suppliers of metal stock, electronic components, computer parts, electrical stuff etc
