From Misunderstanding to Empowerment

Autism and Bullying

As a person with autism, I've experienced firsthand how difficult it can be for others to understand me, and for me to understand them.

We autists struggle with understanding social codes, which can lead to misunderstandings and unfortunate situations. It's especially sad because we are often harmless, kind, and highly intelligent people.

A prime example of society's ruthlessness is Greta Thunberg, who has faced intense bullying after becoming known for her fight against climate change. Many of her opponents have used her autism against her. Her situation highlights how difficult it can be for us autists to be understood and respected. I, too, have experienced extensive bullying from both classmates and colleagues.

School Experiences

In middle school, I was small and insecure, and no one knew about my diagnosis until the end of the final year. The discipline and teaching methods at this school were also not suited to autism (ASD). High school was also a terrible time for me. I was very sick and on medications that made me extremely ill, including a drug called Nozinan. The doctors mistakenly believed I had schizophrenia. This misunderstanding made it even harder for me to navigate an already challenging period.

Work Experiences

My first job was at a sheltered workshop, where I wondered why I wasn't offered something better, as I knew I was capable of more than just assembling boxes. After two years, I moved to a care home, and the work environment became increasingly tough. I received assistance and accommodations, but shortly after, I left the job.

I started a new job with high hopes, but my health deteriorated, and I had to reduce my working hours. The work was physically demanding and involved fine motor tasks I couldn't manage. Fine motor skills, as is well known, can be very challenging for someone on the spectrum. Additionally, I had to work with people who had substance abuse problems and personality disorders. I mean no harm to people with such challenges, but for me and my autism, this contributed to an unsafe work environment. I received help from someone from the care home who followed me twice a week, but the situation gradually worsened.

Research on Autism

As many know, the diagnosis of autism wasn't widespread in Norway until after the year 2000. Previously, autists were often called loners, and the term "nerd" was used to describe us oddballs in the class. Research on autism began as early as the 1920s with the Austrian Hans Asperger, but it wasn't taken seriously until the 1980s when Asperger's syndrome was recognized as a diagnosis.

In 2000, the diagnosis of autism was finally introduced in Norway, and in March 2002, I was diagnosed with autism, then called Asperger's. Unfortunately, the research at that time was full of misunderstandings. I was often asked if I heard voices in my head, and researchers mistakenly believed that autists had childhood schizophrenia. I was filled with medications that harmed me, and for many years it was claimed that I was psychotic. It was as if they were trying to fix a computer error by hitting the machine with a hammer!

Increased Understanding

I was one of the first in the country to live in a residence meant for autists, but it took several years before the residence had staff with the right experience and knowledge. Fortunately, over time, measures were put in place to accommodate jobs for people on the spectrum.

In the 2020s, people are beginning to understand what autism really is. Autists are not doomed to be socially awkward and lonely as long as they receive the right guidance, accommodations, and support. Over the years, I have experienced both challenges and progress. I have learned that with the right support and understanding, autists can flourish and live meaningful lives. Although the journey has been long, we are moving in the right direction.

The Future

Today, I have finally escaped bullying and exclusion. I quit my job in the sheltered workshop system and started a new job tailored to my needs. It has taken time, partly due to the pandemic and bureaucratic challenges, but I am on my way to a better future. Despite low energy levels, I am optimistic about what lies ahead. Through all my experiences, I have learned a lot about myself and how I can best navigate a world that often feels ruthless.

Despite the challenges I've faced, I've also experienced support and understanding that has helped me grow and become stronger. This is just the beginning of my story, and I hope to use my experiences to help others in similar situations.