Communication and interaction

Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Communication and interaction >> Communication and interaction

Communication and interaction

Stephen was diagnosed with autism at the age of five. He has drawn and painted since childhood and has exhibited his work internationally.

Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> James - Interview 49 >> James became significantly depressed as a child and ended up in a psychiatric ward.

James was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 12 years old. After spending some time in a psychiatric ward, James went to a specialist unit on the site of a mainstream school and is now in his third year studying psychology at university.

Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Duncan - Interview 51 >> Duncan describes “social suicide situations” where he says something that makes him feel stupid.

Duncan, 17, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was thirteen years old after originally being diagnosed with dyspraxia. He is currently in sixth form doing his A levels and hopes to go to university.

Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Richard – Interview 12b >> Richard feels uncomfortable about jokes made by a member of staff.

Richard, aged 22, was diagnosed with autism when he was just over two years old. He lives in independent supported living accommodation.

Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Tim and Julie – Interview 09b >> Julie lets Tim know she is joking by saying “joke alert”.

Tim was diagnosed with autism eight years after a paediatrician suggested that there was a family link between himself and his son. Tim has a very supportive wife and they have two sons who also have autism.

Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Ian – Interview 13b >> Ian finds it difficult to know if people are laughing at him or with him.

Ian is 22 and was diagnosed with autism with he was 8 years old. He is currently doing a vocational waiting at table course and is interested in palaeontology and film making.

Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Jamie – Interview 02b >> Jamie “bumps into difficulties” now and again because he misinterprets things.

Jamie was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 9 years old. He uses certain techniques which helps him gain comfort and confidence in social interactions. He’s working towards finding employment and leaving home to live independently.

Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women in employment/education: >> Gail – Interview 06b >> Gail didn’t realise until much later why her stories she wrote at school were entertaining to her classmates.

At 18 year old, Gail suspected she may have Asperger syndrome, but did not feel the need to get diagnosed until more recently. She was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome two years ago.

Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Tim and Julie – Interview 09b >> Tim and Julie discuss the ways in which Tim was different when he was at school.

Mail to a friend