Went for a guest lecture by Dr. Trenesha Hill, Asst Prof at U Nebraska Medical Center.
I truly believe that there is a biological basis to all this SIB, aggression and other behaviors. There also seems to be confusion that such behaviors are seen only to those with low IQ or lesser speaking ability or whether you have access to communication. I know an equal number of autistics, considered "moderate" or "high" in childhood who reach exactly the same place by early/late teen-hood; tossed between psychiatric facilities or stuck at home with their families. Most are heavily medicated with pharma cocktails that don't seem to work at all for autistic physiology.
Let me give you an example of 2 peers that I know - one sits in the corner all day and is regarded as a model student by that Adult Day Program. The other peer is at home with his aging parents as no day program will take him - "too much behaviors." And he is just one of the many dozens I personally know and grew up with in this scenario.
In a recent twitter post an adult autistic pointed to lack of numbers of such adults as evidence that they don't exist - and since she herself had started to talk at only at age 3 after therapy; it must mean that ALL autistics must have regained speaking ability and inclusion sometime in childhood.
April is Autism Solutions Month.
Some Healthcare Considerations
Autistic and other high-support disabled people often need full sedation to access procedures like regular dental care, yet such procedures are rarely covered by insurance—which means people aren't getting the care they need, says @HariSri108.
Another medical care consideration from @HariSri108 is that often autistic people cannot tolerate the sight of medical implements like syringes. Providers can take simple steps like covering implements with towels until they are actually used.
The Ugly Laws: A Shameful Part of History
The Ugly Laws, also known as the "unsightly beggar ordinances," were laws in the United States and other countries during the late 1800s and early 1900s. These laws made it illegal for people with disabilities or any physical differences to be seen in public during the daytime.
In the mid-1800s, cities grew quickly, and there was more poverty and homelessness because of industrialization. City officials wanted to clean up the streets and decided to keep people with disabilities out of public spaces.
These laws allowed the police to arrest, fine, or send to institutions people who were considered "unsightly" just for being in public places like streets and buildings. The decisions were often based on the personal biases of the officers.
The Ugly Laws were said to be for public health and safety, but they were really about controlling and discriminating against people with disabilities. These laws treated disabled people as if they were a threat or unwanted in society.
Even though the Ugly Laws are no longer in place, people with disabilities still face discrimination today. Disability rights advocates continue to work for greater inclusion and accessibility for all.
