Lachlan MacKay's Speech from Parliamentary Breakfast - Wednesday 6 April 2011

Posted 11.04.11 at 11:38am

Commemorating World Autism Awareness Day and Week

I am honoured to be here as a Guest Speaker, commemorating World Autism Awareness Day and Week.

I regard having Asperger’s Syndrome as a gift and I make a point when I talk to audiences either about Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism, that those of us with these conditions have something to offer the world in our own way and that may be through the art world, music world or science world or we may have a phenomenal memory and a unique and enlightened way to view the world. This is so important for everyone to remember, particularly the people with autism or AS and their families.

Today I want to bring home the message….that the community needs to increase its efforts to better understand Autism Spectrum Disorders like Autism and AS and to have a better appreciation for people with Autism or AS.

This is more poignant and urgent in light of the case of the young man who became the face of looting in Christchurch after the earthquake when he was found taking light bulbs from houses. His whole life was turned upside down, the sudden change in environment and in routine would have been hell for him and all he could do was to turn to his hobby of collecting light bulbs to try and get a sense of normalcy. I understand that he went about it the wrong way but can you blame him for not thinking straight – he deserves understanding, not condemnation.

The United Nations Autism Awareness Day website says “Autism is a lifelong developmental disability that manifests itself during the first three years of life. The rate of autism in all regions of the world is high and it has a tremendous impact on children, their families, communities and societies”.

“Throughout its history, the United Nations family has promoted the rights and well-being of the disabled, including children with developmental disabilities. In 2008, the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities entered into force, reaffirming the fundamental principle of universal human rights for all”.

“The United Nations General Assembly unanimously declared 2 April as World Autism Awareness Day to highlight the need to help improve the lives of children and adults who have the disorder so they can lead full and meaningful lives”. –  from the United Nations Autism Awareness Day Website

Individuals with Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome need your vital assistance in order for their potential to be unlocked and shared with the world.

I know from personal experience and from knowing other’s experiences that people who have ASD’s and their families struggle because there isn’t enough resources or financial assistance to go around everyone, especially when it comes to someone with an ASD needing daily care or going through the education system or going out into the job market if they are able to.

Some essential resources could include: providing funding for teacher aides, providing funding for day time care, providing learning support, providing disability/ability support and offering educational programmes such as the Certificates for University Preparation at universities and polytechnics. Some of these resources are available but as I said before there is not enough, people are missing out and some of the resources must now be seriously under threat as the country’s finances get worse with the costs of the tragedy in Christchurch and the weak economy.

Without the teacher-aides and the unfailing support from the Ability Support and Learning Support services, I would not have got through as far as I have in the education system.

The Certificate for University Preparation at Victoria University was a turning point academically for me and provided essential life skills which otherwise I would not have had. I am now completing a Diploma in Management at Weltec.

Something which is really important to me is the problem of rejection and discrimination. I have had many experiences of this. I can’t go into detail about this very big problem with the time we have but just want to say this…

...How many of you have heard the familiar phrase which we Aspies use a lot… ‘take the time to know us before you judge us’... you know why we say that?

Because I can guarantee, you will have someone with an ASD working for you or with you or you may have a friend who has ASD or you may find a person with an ASD directing or managing your department.

Do not think we cannot direct or manage because believe you me we can….look at Bill Gates (who is strongly suspected of having an ASD) and of course is more known for founding Microsoft).

So you need to know who we are and what we can contribute. Don’t judge us before you get to know us.

I believe that people with Asperger’s and Autism are the bravest people I know and they have an unlocked gift hidden deep within them just waiting to be released.

My two closest friends have Asperger’s Syndrome (one is an aspiring Director and has graduated from the NZ Film School and the other is an aspiring scriptwriter who participates as an extra in short films and plays). They both have gifts; they just need guidance to maximize their potential. I regard them as my right and left pillar because they hold me up. We are all extensions of each other but at the same time we can be very different in our likes and dislikes and our passions and interests.

The three of us go through a lot on a daily basis even if we do not show it but we survive and that is only because of the love, understanding and resources we have all received firstly from our families whom we would not have survived without, then from our friends and lastly from some areas of the community. We are truly blessed with the family and friends we have and the help we have managed to receive.

We are grateful as we know others are not so lucky and in some cases take the extreme extent of ending their lives to put themselves out of misery. This is why it is important to highlight the needs of people with Autism and Asperger’s not just on Autism Awareness Day but on every other day. This is where you all come in.

I want to finish by reading to you the powerful thoughts by another brave individual who doesn’t have a disability but has the world woes on his shoulders and still manages to produce a message on Autism Awareness Day.

The UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki Moon has said the following for this year’s day “the number of children and people with autistic conditions continues to rise – in every nation and in every racial, ethnic and social group. Although the recognition of autistic conditions among the scientific, health and care communities is improving, public awareness remains low. The annual observance of World Autism Awareness Day thus takes on ever greater importance as an opportunity to mobilize for action and assistance.

Children and persons with autistic conditions face major challenges associated with stigma and discrimination, as well as a lack of access to support. Many struggle with multiple barriers in their daily lives. Far too many suffer terrible discrimination, abuse and isolation, in violation of their fundamental human rights.

Autism is a complex disorder. But in many cases the right treatment early on can bring improvements. That is why it is so important to raise awareness about the signs of autism and provide services as soon as possible.

It is also critical to support parents, create jobs for individuals with autism based on their skills and strengths, and improve public education to better meet the needs of students with autism.

Taking these steps will benefit society as a whole, enriching people with autism, their loved ones and others alike. As the mother of one child with autism said, “Although my daughter has walked a long way, I have walked a longer way.”

Together, let us travel this road toward a more caring and inclusive world”.

Lachlan MacKay

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