The Challenges and Rewards of Living with Autism
by Cameron Bradshaw
I was diagnosed with Autism before I started school. In my life, I have faced a lot of challenges and enjoyments in my life.
I have battled with anxiety and depression, behaviour issues, making new friends, maintaining friendships, adapting with change, taking a while to learn new things and learning patience. There have also been some opportunities in life I have had to wait longer for than other people.
Whilst I have faced these challenges, I have had many wonderful people who have helped me a supported me along the way.
My Mother has given me the most love and support in my life.
Due to my Autism, I have met some wonderful people in my life and I have had some very wonderful opportunities.
I went to Colonel Light Gardens Primary School and Cabra Dominican College. I had wonderful friends and teachers at both schools. I especially met some wonderful people in The St. Mary’s Unit at Cabra.
I became a part of the wonderful Barkuma community. Barkuma helped me find my job at Reynella Mitre 10 Barkuma have continued to support me with my job. I would have found this job without Barkuma. At Mitre 10, I have wonderful and supportive workmates.
Barkuma has also supported me when I have been finding life challenging at times. I have had the opportunity to give speeches, be a part of the Barkuma Buzz Magazine Committee and The Barkuma Voice.
I have been part of the L’Arche Disability Community where I have participated in some wonderful activities. I will also be going to a National Listening and Speaking Conference in Melbourne with two other people from L’Arche in November.
I did a podcast for Tibii Disability Support Services with someone.
I recently joined the Advisory Board for Adenium Living.
I also believe these challenges have taught me a lesson in thankfulness. In life, if you didn’t go through sadness and challenges every now and then, you wouldn’t know how good it feels to be happy.
If someone asked me if I wanted to be cured of Autism. My answer would instantly be: NO. Regardless of whether someone has Autism or not, everybody goes through challenges and enjoyments in life.
Disabilities do not need to be cured, Disabilities need to be understood.