Bens

On Saturday Ben and I walked down to the Central Library, he’s doing a project on the War of 1812.  It was a nice walk.  We talked about his upcoming 12th birthday.  As we walked passed The Art Gallery, we saw signs that read “Autism is not a Crime” and “Give Ben a Chance at Life”.  I looked at Ben.
We were drawn to the tent made of white tarp, large photos of a boy named Ben lined the walls,  “Free Ben” handwritten on poster board.  And then I remembered, I had heard on the news about a family pushed to the edge.  A family battered by injustice, but not broken.  Not broken because of a Mother’s unwavering voice of love, and her strong, clear stand against an appalling lack of basic care and dignity from a Psychiatric System, who’s mandate it is to improve and monitor the mental well-being of those in its CARE.  This family feels their only hope now is to appeal to the public to unite with them, because their voices have become hoarse from shouting into the wind of apathy and bureaucracy.  Literally, this mother was losing her voice while speaking to us.  She was living in a self made structure in a desperate attempt to raise awareness of her son’s plight, and unfortunately there are others like him, with unique profiles of strengths and challenges who are mislabeled and unjustly confined.   As her sign read, “Autism is not a crime," nor should people with autism be treated as criminals.  Right now, her son, Ben, is not being given access to care compatible with his current needs as a person with Aspergers.
He deserves access to mental health agencies and housing accommodation specifically addressing his needs as a person with autism, by a team of professionals specializing in autism, with consultation from his family.  People with autism are highly capable of contributing generously to society and living independent, happy lives - like everyone else.  To be honest, it feels a little on the ridiculous side that this situation is even possible in a world as capable of compassion and educated choices as we live in today.
She asked me, “How would you feel if your son were kept in solitary confinement, overly medicated without meaningful and appropriate access to professionals in our city who have offered their expertise  and are willing to help him transition into independent living?"
How would you feel if that were your son?  I know how I would feel.
There is plenty of hope, because with action we can ensure that all children with autism are enfolded with respect and understanding to the benefit of all.
Go to their website http://silentnomorebc.com/