The ZO! Foundation, the Kernkracht Foundation and the municipality of Zuidplas are paying extra attention these weeks to invisible vulnerabilities. From autism to dementia, from stress to fear of failure. After all, we all have something. Read the stories or see what Kernkracht en ZO! do to help you and the people around you. More information about this promotion and mental health can be found at www.stzo.nl/allemaalwat.
“If you don’t have a role model, you can become one.” This quote is an appropriate life motto for Robin Toscani (29). His autism and seizures don’t stop him from achieving very beautiful things. In conversation with the founder of the Auticaffe in ‘t Blok.
“Hey Tuscany!” Robin is greeted cheerfully by a youth worker from the ZO! in youth center ‘t Blok, where we do the interview. Robin feels at home in this place in Nieuwerkerk aan den IJssel, where the special café started. A place where young people can be themselves, without being overstimulated as is often the case in a normal cafe.
“Such a place was needed. I noticed that very well myself. It wasn’t until I was 15 that I was diagnosed with autism. My parents and I ran into many walls and didn’t quite know what to do. I ended up at large healthcare organizations, where I just felt like a number. Good example is the soos, evenings recommended by my healthcare provider to attend more social activities. There was only tinkering or playing board games. I was 17, and this was not part of my lifestyle. Because I have a mild form of autism, they didn’t know what to do with me. I got homework help, but this went so well that the supervisor started playing pim pam pet with me to fill the time.
In order to have an activity in Zuidplas that matched his wishes, Robin started the Auticaffe with a peer Yoeri de Bree. The cafe was well stocked from the very first time and certainly thanks to interesting guest speakers such as Hugo Borst, the cafe also remained innovative. “The common thread is a safe environment and being able to be yourself. Every person with a disability has hidden talents. Emphasize that. Far too often we are told what we cannot do. Or are you treated like you can’t do anything. When people get to know me as Robin, I am Robin. But when they suddenly hear about my autism, I suddenly have a stamp. Then I’m no longer Robin, but an autist. Are they going to pamper me? I don’t need that at all. Of course I need extra guidance, also because of my epileptic seizures, but otherwise I want to stand on my own two feet as much as possible.”
Partly due to a temporary move to Rotterdam – “in Zuidplas there is no organization that offers assisted living for young people and the elderly with a mild form of autism” – he handed over the baton of the Auticaffe two years ago. The setup has not changed. It’s a place where you can share stories, feel safe and where the music is played a little less loud, So just like going out, but with less stimulation,
in Zuidplas there is no organization that offers assisted living for young people and the elderly with a mild form of autism
Robin Toscani
Meanwhile, Robin knows how to deal with his autism well. And he keeps trying new things. He has been working for Rijkswaterstaat for five years, he enjoys going on holiday on his own and was chairman of a polling station during the previous elections. But he knows his limitations and recognizes the dangers.
“When I have a good day, I can have a lot. When I’m having a bad day, sometimes I don’t even take my meds. Or can I leave the dishes for days, because it takes too much effort and I am overstimulated. Many people and organizations see the situation as either black or white, while there is a lot of gray in between, like me. Many people think of the movie Rain Man when they think of autism, but usually it is not visible to others. No one sees how full my bucket is. If I’ve had a rough Wednesday, I just can’t work Thursday. Then there have been too many incentives. Not everyone understands that. They look at you: ‘You are not handicapped, are you’? But there is so much going on inside, people don’t know about it.”
The Auticaffe takes place in youth center ‘t Blok, every second Tuesday of the month, from 7.30 pm. Do you live in the Zuidplas or surroundings, do you have a form of normal to higher functioning autism, ADHD, or are you very insecure, then this evening is for you! Even if you are dealing with autism, you are of course very welcome this evening. The Auticaffe stands for going out in an environment where you can feel at home, meet others and find friends. But also information from speakers on various topics related to autism. Entrance is free.
Read the other stories at www.stzo.nl/allemaalwat