‘A Personal Perspective on Autism.’

By Stephen Ben Morris

My own view of what Autism is like

‘A Personal Perspective on Autism.’

By Stephen Ben Morris

Contents

1. Diagnoses2. Diagnosis – Advantages and Disadvantages3. Late Diagnosis – Advantages and Disadvantages4. The Way Forward5. Conclusion

Diagnoses

1. Diagnosed with ‘High Functioning’ Autism at 27 by a Consultant Psychiatrist from NHS.

2. Previous diagnosis:1) Since 3 Years old - Speech and Language difficulty,2) 14 Years old – Dyslexia, Irlen Syndrome, Coordination

problems and Processing disorder3) 21 years old – Schitzotypal Personality Disorder and

Anxiety Disorder4) 27 years old – Autistic Spectrum Condition

Diagnosis – Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages of being diagnosed:

1. Understand myself better,2. Relief that I don’t have to be someone I am not,3. Other people are in a similar position to me,4. Relief for my parents

Disadvantages of being diagnosed:

1. Having a ‘label’,2. People treating me differently,

Late Diagnosis - Advantages and Disadvantages

Disadvantage of late diagnoses:

1. Spent until 27 ‘being different’ but didn’t know how and why.2. People not believing I am autistic as coping/managing

strategies have been put in place and because of lack of knowledge.

Advantages of late diagnoses:

1. Able to put own strategies in place.2. Mentors e.g. parents, teachers etc, didn’t treat me any

different to other people.

The Way Forward

How professionals can help:1. Have a better understanding of not only Autism but the

individual:a. Which is the best way the individual communicatesb. Don’t make assumptions. c. Use basic, direct questions.d. Try to support the individual to reduce anxiety.e. Help to cope with any unpredictable situations.f. Put in support for HFA and their families.

Conclusion

1. Early Diagnosis with support is essential e.g. mentoring scheme for autistics and their family carers etc. – use like minded people.

2. Treat everyone on the spectrum as an individual.3. Let the individual learn to discover their own

methods to guide them through life.

www.autismthinktank.co.uk

Contact Me:

Email: stephenbenmorris@aol.com

VBlog: www.autismunplugged.net

Website: www.autismthinktank.co.uk