Robert Hickman

Looking back on my own childhood, it has become obvious to me how schools, of any description, are utterly incapable of supporting even those with mild autism. During my school years, I was melting down violently at least every few days, sometimes even multiple times in the same day. But in the 5 years since leaving school, I have not experienced any meltdowns at all. The forceful nature of schools are detrimental to people on the spectrum. Most of my own meltdowns were caused by being forced to write by hand (something I cannot physically do), and the forceful intermixing of many utterly unrated subjects. I, like most autistics learn best when I am able to focus on one thing at a time, and that one thing is something I am passionately interested in. So if your autistic child is frequently melting down in school, or if you frequently melt down in school yourself. The very design of the school system could very well be the root of the problem.

Hello people, my name is Robert Hickman, I'm a 20 year old autistic adult who recently became independent. I am totally comfortable with my state of being and do not consider my autism to be a disability. In fact, I actually consider it a superpower, actively using my hyperfocus, visual memory and vivid imagination for my own advantage. I write a blog, Achieving Extraordinary Success, documenting the ways I have been able to use the condition positively, and also diving into some of the deep philosophical issues associated with the condition. I am currently living in Shrewsbury, Shropshire. If you are living in this area and think that I could help you with something. Or you are a young autistic adult and want someone similar to talk to, give me a shout below.

As an autistic myself, getting out of school was honestly the best thing that ever happened to me. Meltdowns stopped dead and I was finally able to fully explore my interests. What you should do is find one of your son's special interests with real world potential and embrace that. Also, If he isn't already, get him on the Internet. Getting online for me, was like suddenly being able to download massive amounts of information directly into my head. Also your son may be interested in reading my blog, Achieving Extraordinary Success, which is written with young autistic/aspie adults in mind: http://achievingextraordinarysuccess.com/