A sustainable living community for adults on the autism spectrum | Heidi Stieglitz Ham | TEDxPerth

[@duanegarcia7418]

Very well spoken and have much respect for the speaker. A wise old woman once said my autistic children quality of life depends on the community and cities they live in.

[@sciencetroll3208]

That place reminds me of Machu Pichu. I'm an adult aspie, IQ in the top percent, good worker, been unemployed most of my life, and never more than two steps from homeless.

[@shadowfox933]

There is no doubt in my mind that your heart is in the right place, but something I am sure most of us on the spectrum would like you to know is that you don't have to be afraid to call us as we are, that being autistic. Your work sounds amazing, and I only wish I had access to something like this

[@DrJaneFitchPalmyra]

A terrific talk, with great insight into ASD, an absolute chameleon which confounds so many. When if you listen hard and long and look clearly without bias, it is clear as day. We can learn so much about ourselves and each other through studying , accommodating and celebrating neurodivergence. Thank you Heidi

[@nickglover9007]

Terrific, are you serious !, was patronizing, clinical, and total fantasy (note no such 'community' ever built (thankfully)

[@sparks.edward.georgeiv3771]

Alright.... All my life I've had my life completely destroyed and utterly dominated because of what I have and how I tried so hard to excel on my own to get my family off my back as I am shedding in tears due to my neurodivergent way of having everyone trying to understand me. I want to absorb more of what you had said in this presentation. Thank you.

[@sbsman4998]

Yes autistic adults we do need help. They say you see your life flashing before your eyes before death. At age 73, nearing death, my mind's eye replays my life but now thru an Autistic filtered lens. Just to remember my first classes at junior college admissions!!!!!!! I always stuck it out and completed registering but what horrible confusion. I was near wiped out on all levels after standing hours in noisy crowded lines hoping for classes. A young stud of 19 has great endurance, at 73 my endurance wans as my autism reigns undiminished, indeed amplified as retirement now allows greater appreciation of solitude and paradoxically also my greater need for personal connection ~~ sigh ~~

[@alifmuhammadchicago]

Wow. Thank you for your contribution.

[@duanegarcia7418]

At 56 I feel you God bless you I posted above

[@phoneticau]

I was lucky being a teenager in 1979 it was easy to to find a trade apprenticeship despite being on high functioning autism spectrum job role had little contact with the public & customers, today such a jobs are rare

[@KAIJUKING123]

I’m a 23 year old autistic male from the he USA in Ohio who’s on the lower end of the spectrum but I feel like the world is out to get me and doesn’t want happiness for me to enjoy and share with others I feel trapped in my room everyday for almost half a decade (5 years) after I was fired from my job as a associate for an amusement park and they branded me as a so called “terrible employee” although I was one of the finest most impressive responsible hard working etc. employees they ever hired and I guess when they found out I had autism they set me up to fail at a cash register job when I accidentally left my money till open and the problem with that was I don’t even remember doing it I had asked them multiple times to show me the footage of this incident and they told me over and over and over again we will show you when the investigation was complete and wouldn’t you believe it they fired me and never showed me the video of my so called crime. After that no other jobs wanted to hire me no matter how many job apps I put in or how many of my friends and family vouched for me to get me a job. Eventually I had to be placed on disability benefits by my parents and the rest you know I miss being able to work again but it wasn’t the blo*d sweat and tears I put into the job they made me feel so great it was just being able to finally have a purpose in life and finally contributing to society and that made me feel important strong bold confident and brave but after they fired me I fell into a dark depression and wanted to (you know What I’m gonna say next so why bother). But the importance of my story was to make people realize people with autism aren’t failures or mistakes but untapped potential for a better and brighter tomorrow I love this idea of making a community where everyone no matter their mental disability status or what their special needs are can thrive and live together and have a purpose. My mom dad and family would Rest In Peace knowing their son/nephew/grandson/cousin is gonna be ok after their de*d and gone.

[@sweetpea4967]

Don't give up...perhaps find a service to provide or product to produce. Become an entrepreneur. Hire yourself! You are too young to give up. Wishing you warmest regards and best of luck!

[@KAIJUKING123]

@@sweetpea4967 thank you I appreciate those kind words of encouragement

[@sweetpea4967]

@@KAIJUKING123 you are most welcome. I know it was a difficult road for me as well. I hope you know that being fired is devastating for everyone. Especially when it is handled so unfairly and without the opportunity to be counseled and make any necessary improvements. Do not allow that experience to define you or your worth. I know it's hard, but no job is worth it. Poor management can be a great learning opportunity. Still sucks, but find the lesson(s) and move on. Now finding a purpose is key! Perhaps a step forward would be to find an organization you believe has great purpose and volunteer. This can be a great way to rebuild your own self-worth while developing marketable skills. You can also think about different careers. Consider something you are interested in. There are lots of technical certifications you can pursue. If you like being outside, consider roles that are outside. Start out part-time if needed...try contacting businesses and offer to work as an intern. Use your gifts and accept your challenges. Ask for the accommodations you need. But mostly be kind and patient with yourself. With time and practice it will get easier to regulate yourself, calm intensity, find what works. It's not a failure to need some extra time. And once you do...you will amaze yourself with what is possible!

[@robertwrightfonseca]

Wh- why aren't there more views? Why isn't this getting out there?

[@robertwrightfonseca]

I wish that were true.

[@nickglover9007]

None of this is true, I contacted speaker - never gone forward and never will. Really a pack of lies or magical thinking, and in whose interest ?

[@edgrimm5862]

Because anyone who actually could move this forward would see that this can't scale to the real world.

[@e.torres6797]

Nick Glover I do not know the details of why this did not occur. It is truly a large project, but Dr. Ham is still focused on helping individuals with ASD especially HFASD. This spring I completed my fieldwork assignment with her at the non-profit in Houston called Spectrum Fusion. You should check out the website. Hope this helps and gives hope to many because it’s a unique experience.

[@rgcoldworld5974]

I getting to those who need it, I needed that just now!

[@AusticHardOfHearingSinger]

I code programmes and websites, sing, fix computers, bikes, vehichles, but fight with my college for understanding autism and GI issues that I have. Almost all of my doctors are fighting against my college, too, for me so that my college will better work with mey autism and GI disabilities as I complete my Engineering: Computer Sciencr degree.

[@jewelslove2200]

THANK YOU HEIDI FOR THE SUPPORTIVE MUCH NEEDED AUTISM COMMUNITY. NOBODY TALKS ABOUT HOW LONELY, ISOLATED AND MARGINILISED AUTISTIC ADULTS FIND THEMSELVES AS NOBODY UNDERSTANDS THEM OR ASSOCIATES WITH THEM. SUCH IDEAS FOR INCLUSION ARE VERY IMPORTANT. I HOPE MORE COUNTRIES WILL IMPLEMENT THIS FOR THE WELLBEING OF THEIR AUTISTIC CITIZENS. PLEASE DO SHARE HOW WE CAN CONTRIBUTE AND TAKE PART IN PROMOTING SUCH COMMUNITIES AND REPLICATE IN OTHER PLACES. I THINK THIS MIGHT JUST BE THE SOLUTION SO MANY AUTISTIC ADULTS LONG FOR AFTER DECADES OF FEELING INVISIBLE, IGNORED AND FORGOTTEN JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE NOT "TYPICAL" & "FAKE" AMONG OTHERS.

[@valchester2571]

autistics are not only valid if you see a potential to benefit society in them. an autistic's expression of repetitive behaviour does not indicate how severe their autism is. the spectrum does not go from nonverbal to gifted or from "low-functioning" to "high-functioning", it's fluid and just encompasses different autistic traits of which an individual can have several ones from different areas but no two autistics are the same. this project seems to cater only to the strong stereotypes that exist about autism, and only wants to help include those who are idolized for their strengths (formerly classed as aspergers', which is no longer a diagnosis and not a valid distinction). severity is often not visible to anyone other than the autistic who is experiencing their autism. someone who flaps their hands a lot is not more autistic than someone who holds eye contact and engages in small talk politely. there is such a thing as masking.

[@KadinsAutismJourney]

She is very powerful. I am an autism advocate as well and I'd love to do a TED Talk one day.

[@adventuresoftacodog2681]

What an amazing presentation. Thankyou!

[@HisShadowX]

14:42 lady shocked my well listening to this over the head phones and surprised me

[@CreativeOne-ll8et]

Ya and it’s 6 years later and have the made this place for adults with autism and the ones who haven’t even been diagnosed with autism but they actually have it like ME! The social worker I have will tell me I have it and she sees it and hears it. She sees me struggle and knows I need more services because of it! But the doctor overlooked it!

[@Catlily5]

Same thing for me.

[@MissL4lly]

My stumbling block is, coming across institutions that say the right thing, but their actions are most definitely not inclusive of individuals who aren't neurotypical. I am very tired, trying to blend in but failing.

[@fresnobob2886]

I can't keep a job, and my resume is pock-marked with gaps and questionable job losses. I'm tired.

[@e.torres6797]

Fresno Bob Dr. Ham has a non-profit in Houston and many options, including long-distance work may be available if you contact her. Depending on your skills and the current projects they may have you could work or gain experience or simply join a supportive community and socialize. I recently completed my fieldwork assignment for grad school with her. It is called Spectrum Fusion, do check it out!

[@missydavis6678]

Thank you so much for this!

[@nikkibe6564]

you said you didn't want to create a community that felt like assisted living and then you show a "hub" of research center where they live. that looks like a highly clinical environment. a community where each has their own seperate home on its own lot and intervention based on needs is the better approach I would think.

[@nickglover9007]

Yes you got it right, very strange, in fact an awful 'vision'

[@MyNoNameChannel2012]

What if "aspies" would just be recognized as a different "normal"? This will just allow us to be ourselves and help us way more. We could just do all this by ourselves without the fear of being looked at as crazy.

[@juliecipolla6732]

LOVE IT!

[@cmdrparasite]

Omg gimmi this community in sydney I'd move right in

[@harveygoldberg5730]

What a wonderful lecture....she is very attuned to the needs of Autism.

[@nickglover9007]

No, not really

[@monikakrall3922]

That is exactly what I had in mind, I'm autistic

[@sarahhoughton-birrell93]

excellent, thank you!

[@IanCullen]

As an individual with Autism from the UK. I like this idea of community building, but unsure how it could be done here in the UK or funded given how tight social care budgets are here.I think its a brilliant idea though. Can I move to Australia lol.

[@ThePatrick42044]

I have High Functioning Autism. I wish more would had been shared about that home with the green roof and such. But hard to build homes like that unless you have land to put those homes on. But too many rich and greedy people out there who have nothing else to spend money on but land. That's why there really is no more land any longer.

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

Show me the way. I'm in.

[@jesusfreak279608]

I wish I had somewhere to go. I have been subjected to horrible fights where one person was chasing the other with a knife while both drunk. I have CPTSD from constantly being traumatized over and over again and I get almost no help. I have tried to take my life 3 times and still no one cares. Does my life have no value? CA refused to diagnose me to save money and avoided a CPTSD diagnosis to also save money. They threw me away and I get no justice.

[@AimesSolar]

I wish I had such opportunities. And when I have such opportunities, to have it consistently. Not all bosses/family are supportive this way, only those who have understanding from working in the field. Otherwise, no such luck. Anybody working through the differential dx between Schizophrenia and Autism yet?

[@IAMGiftbearer]

Great idea! Is this only being built in Australia or is it also being done in the US? If so, which state(s)?

[@nickglover9007]

+IAMGiftbearer If you are talking about TEDx talks they are very much done in U.S.A. on many subjects, including by now a few on Autism. Most are on You-Tube. Would be more rare for such 'TED' events in Australia . .

[@sturmtheguitarist]

IAMGiftbearer Houston, Texas www.spectrumfusion.org

[@cathleenswanson8562]

Sonoma, California has a smallish expensive villages of young adults on the Spectrum. They are mostly not high functioning but some venture out on their own. Most of them have caretakers who spend the night. There is a farm garden recreation center and recently I saw a teepee. The community is gated. It's called "Sweetwater Spectrum." Also, Cloverdale has an 84-acre ranch that is being converted into a community for adults with special needs. I dont know which special needs, but with that much acreage, why not high functioning adults too?

[@nickglover9007]

This video talking about a 'community for Autism' in Perth ? is not easy to find out about. I searched for any news about but could not find anything. No plans, etc. Maybe someone knows the right place or site to search on to get details about this community. It sounds both good and a bit concerning. Good that such energy is there for a worthy population, but concerning in that it promises a lot according to the Ted talk. Perth is not the kind of place one would expect much to happen. It cannot be a normal community and a research Centre. They have to be entirely separate, and what kind of research anyhow? The talk was good in that is focused on Adults - but I get a feeling this is altogether not in the interests of adults with Autism who would not want to live in some 'community research Centre / social Housing (which also best describes some large old Psychiatric hospitals .. your 'home' and 'research Centre' !!! )

[@chrismartin1708]

facebook.com/specfusionperth/

[@janosk8392]

This is a Technology Education & Design video. She speaks in terms of 'plan' and 'design'. Before we can build anything we need both. This video helps educate others so such a construction will be supported and eventually function for autism inclusion.

[@Lotusblume.8]

Do you know what the cows are thinking? “I don’t want to die. “

[@hopefulmelancholy7514]

Interesting concept.

[@PatrickKellyLoneCoder]

So, you claim to want to help but simultaneously propose tucking us away in a separate community. Yeah, because that's always gone over well in history. 🙄

[@robtargeted4924]

I need help. I have high functioning ASD. I am abused daily and need advocacy.

[@AusticHardOfHearingSinger]

Where is this autism community/center to be located (which city and state)? I have autism and I want to live there.

[@Catlily5]

Australia it sounded like.

[@RealSteel319]

Great video but I still don't understand what causes autism I have two sons the youngest one having autism at 25 and the oldest was no autism at the age of 29 I've been told that it's due to vaccine when they were a baby, could someone please enlighten me.

[@miakestrel]

What can I do to help and how do I include my awesome and kind autistic son in this?

[@EarthtonesCymbals]

We all seem to be awaiting a response to your question Lorrie? Meanwhile...tick, tock, tick tock...

[@turtleanton6539]

Very good video

[@EnjoyableJourney]

interesting

[@lanettedavidson1202]

WHERE IS THIS PLACE'!!!!!???? Is this a reality, yet? Any where in the US? Please let me know.

[@Catlily5]

Australia it sounded like.

[@sturmtheguitarist]

In the US probably Houston

[@michaelbennett9127]

The over sympathetic tone in her voice, as though she's talking to children is too off-putting to commit my attention. I came here to learn, as the information on HF autism is abysmal!

[@jazzypanduh]

Coming from a HF autistic: The way she talks is quite soothing to me, actually. :)

[@michaelbennett9127]

@@jazzypanduh All the power to you, but after listening to her again I still feel the same. I have HF autism too, so maybe be this isn't a good marker for judgement

[@nickglover9007]

Sadly this idea of a Autism Community sounds awkward, marginalizing, and frankly sad. Plus where would the huge amount of money come from?. It sounds ghetto like, sanitizing, clinical, run by who?, who would own the place ?, how would residents pay for ?,. In fact it sounds like a promo video for some company hoping to build a 'residential escape / home' for Autistics. High functioning Autistics don't need such a place, and more severely affected would be cut off from easy access to their families, Parents, siblings. And for that group where would the additional services / carers, etc, come from .. where would they live?. If such a place or 'village' was in Perth, say if only 10-20 such 'homes on' it would cost not less than $5-10 million (land and building costs alone). If in some more remote place that then equals a ghetto effect. Then what happens to the 'residents' spouses, families, siblings, etc?. The speaker seems unaware of the potential flaws and downsides of this 'idea'. It also plays on the feelings of lonely Autistic people who may long for 'sanctuary' or 'community' no matter what he cost. You will find no plans behind this, no input from or consultation with anyone, no costings, etc. Its difficult to say all this, but such a promo video should have come with both a health warning and some feedback from a panel who should have reviewed this very strange TED talk.

[@greogebrewer9643]

one big pipe dream.

[@Hili24pur]

Terrible example of Temple Grandon....she helped people MURDER INNOCENT ANIMALS , not something to be proud of...just horrible , this is horrible .... . from someone on the ASD scale.

[@yahiabuohemd4774]

حسب

[@viktorpecs]

Temple Grandin did not do anything for the animals, they are still getting murdered.

[@ruthrosey9220]

Have you come across Alternative Herbal supplement on youtube, it did alot for my non verbal son who was diagnosed with Austin..

[@greogebrewer9643]

will u marry me???