I am autistic.
I self identified over 30 years ago and went through a formal 'diagnosis' three years ago.
I regard myself as part of the neurodivergent community and do not regard autism as a disorder, dysfunction or disability. My brain is 'wired' differently thats all. The main challenges come from living in a neurotypical world.
I work as a clinician within specialist NHS mental health services for children - a significant number are autistic. My current team welcomed me as an autistic clinician - their view being that it supports the effectiveness of the service.
In addition to the above I coordinate the NHS neurodivergent staff network for Cornwall - which includes providing peer support for people who have a new identification including practical assistance in seeking reasonable adjustments in the workplace. The network is also working with strategic partners to bring about changes in the terminology used around autism in order to move thinking away from a medical model 'pathologising' mindset of disability and dysfunction.
There are many on line forums and resources regarding autism - though I would advise caution as there is some weird stuff out there including material by those that assert that it can be prevented or 'cured' - which is absolute nonsense.
Adult assessment is a real post code lottery and even at its best there are very long waiting lists. The main problem to actually getting one is the ignorance of GP's and other clinicians that really should know better. A common GP response is "you cant be autistic because you can make eye contact" or "you are too capable / able". Many autistic people are adept at masking behaviour, not necessarily by choice but by social conditioning and this does not fit with the prevalent stereotypical view of autism. A number of adults have to really fight for assessment. Referencing the Autism Act and Equality Act may help a little but certainly wont do that much in my view.
Once identification (or diagnosis if you must!) has been achieved there is pretty much nothing available by way of support and helping individuals make sense of it all. Its left to groups of autistic people to organise this themselves, either on line or via ftf groups. I was fortunate as I was able to link in within networks for NHS staff.
Just to talk to other people who can articulate how the same sensory and cognitive differences is a wonderfully calming afirming and positive thing. You feel just a little bit less of an alien.
I'm currently studying autism at masters level at Sheffield Hallam University. At least half of my fellow students are autistic as is the course leader. We have a lively whatsapp discussion group and the peer support if outstanding.
Anyone identifying as such - please feel free to PM me.
PS: Have read and on occasion joined in with some interesting discussion on this American based forum. Quite a few UK members there
https://wrongplanet.net/forums/
Originally Posted by Velorum
I am autistic.
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