Inappropriate treatment of autistic Kiwis

When I did some research today, I came across an article about the horrible conditions in terms of how autistic people are treated in New Zealand’s mental institutions.

According to this article, Ashley Peacock “is allowed outdoors for just 90 minutes a day” which is outrageous. He has been impatient for the past five years, all the more I can’t believe he is forced to spend 22,5 hours a day in a mental hospital. Some characteristics of autism are difficulties in behaviour, social interaction and communication. A friend of mine who also suffers from autism, for instance, can’t stand loud noises, overcrowded places and always has to walk really fast. Yet, this doesn’t mean that they are some sort of criminals who have to be locked up for several years. How are they supposed to improve their communication skills when they barely get the chance to meet other people? It doesn’t make any sense. As long as they are not dangerous, there’s no point in locking them up. Ten percent of autistic people are even said to be particularly talented for memorising and drawing or playing an instrument.

I can’t imagine all these people being locked up for such a long time even though they don’t seem to be dangerous at all. I feel so sorry for Ashley and his family who have to endure all of this and actually agree with the experts who claim the treatment in New Zealand to be a breach of human rights. Instead of locking them up, we should help them more — especially with regard to integration.