Mum campaigns for Asperger’s support
The mum of a young lady with Asperger’s is campaigning for better awareness and support for her 20-year-old daughter.
Jane Kemp says her daughter Samantha, who was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome when she was five, needs a better support network .
The 56-year-old is also calling for raised awareness among medical professionals too.
Jane said, “Doctors just don’t understand. They don’t understand the depression they suffer and they don’t understand how their minds work.
“People with Asperger’s don’t understand things will get better – they find the tough times overwhelming.”
Jane has two other grown-up children but says Samantha struggles with being independent.
She said, “When she was at school, there was some support there for her but since she left school there is absolutely nothing. We go to a meeting each week but they have literally got a few hard chairs and a kettle.
“It would be nice if we could get a proper club running with some comfortable chairs, a pool table and maybe some other equipment.”
Jane, a single mum, says life is a struggle and Sam can become isolated and very depressed.
She explained people with Asperger’s find it difficult to socialise which has created a vicious circle.
She said, “The less she socialises, the more difficult she finds it.
“Sam is capable of holding down a job but people don’t understand that she needs more time and she doesn’t pick things up quite as quickly as others.”
Jane says there is more support in Hastings but many Asperger’s sufferers, including Sam, get anxious about travelling – especially on public transport.
Jane is now looking for like-minded people or anyone who can help with funding a meeting place or equipment to contact her on 07445810507 or email freedom.jk51@googlemail.com
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Friday 24 May 2013
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