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• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Mary – Interview 01b >> Mary is very keen to move out from her parent’s home, but does not want to live in a residential home and is a bit worried about practical tasks like

After researching various conditions on the internet, Mary was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome aged 21. She also has OCD and experiences anxieties.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Alex – Interview 04b >> Alex’s new carers didn’t notice that she hadn’t eaten for 13 days when she first lived on her own.

Alex was diagnosed with classic autism aged three years old. She lives independently in an adapted house, with some care assistance. A few years ago she was injured in a road accident and, as a result, now has epilepsy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Richard – Interview 12b >> Richard lives with “a lot of folk with less functioning autism” in a supported house.

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 not in employment/education >> Russell – Interview 07b >> Russell recalls some of his experiences of living away from home and the support he would like in the future.

Russell was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 12 years old. His awareness of potential difficulties is increasing as he grows older and more aware. Russell describes himself as being prone to outbursts and is taking anti-depressants.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Russell – Interview 07b >> Russell recalls some of his experiences of living away from home and the support he would like in the future.

Russell was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 12 years old. His awareness of potential difficulties is increasing as he grows older and more aware. Russell describes himself as being prone to outbursts and is taking anti-depressants.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women in employment/education: >> Gail – Interview 06b >> Gail finds the written word more tangible and is less distracted when writing online.

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 >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Mary – Interview 01b >> Mary is getting more used to going out and about with the help of her support worker.

After researching various conditions on the internet, Mary was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome aged 21. She also has OCD and experiences anxieties.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women in employment/education: >> Gail – Interview 06b >> Gail struggled on her Speech and Language course because there were so many different things to keep track of. She was allowed to go part time once sh

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 not in employment/education >> Richard – Interview 12b >> Richard needed the help of support staff to end a relationship

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 >> Oliver and Suzie – Interview 11b >> While Oliver now has support at university, he feels there are people who might need support who don’t realise it is available.

Oliver was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome two years ago. His mother and younger brother had also been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome previously. Oliver describes his family as easy going and not concerned about what other people think about them.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Tim and Julie – Interview 09b >> Julie’s family don’t understand Tim. Tim’s family, while understanding, refuse to discuss autism.

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’s mum deals with bills because they aren’t important to 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 >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Alex – Interview 04b >> Alex now attends a day service that meets her needs after six years of trying different provision.

Alex was diagnosed with classic autism aged three years old. She lives independently in an adapted house, with some care assistance. A few years ago she was injured in a road accident and, as a result, now has epilepsy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Alex – Interview 04b >> It has taken a long time for Alex to get an appropriate care package. She had a long period of being passed between learning disability and mental hea

Alex was diagnosed with classic autism aged three years old. She lives independently in an adapted house, with some care assistance. A few years ago she was injured in a road accident and, as a result, now has epilepsy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> John – Interview 08b >> John’s problems with attention have not received the support he would have liked.

After having a lot of contact with mental health services over the years, John was diagnosed with mild Asperger syndrome aged 45. Previous employment has proved problematic for John and he feels employers should be more aware of Asperger syndrome.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Alex – Interview 04b >> Alex thinks she “fakes understanding” sometimes and social care professionals don’t really understand her communication needs.

Alex was diagnosed with classic autism aged three years old. She lives independently in an adapted house, with some care assistance. A few years ago she was injured in a road accident and, as a result, now has epilepsy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Alex – Interview 04b >> Alex describes her experiences of direct payments and commissioned services.

Alex was diagnosed with classic autism aged three years old. She lives independently in an adapted house, with some care assistance. A few years ago she was injured in a road accident and, as a result, now has epilepsy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Alex – Interview 04b >> Alex’s social worker admits she has no understanding of autism which is “scary”.

Alex was diagnosed with classic autism aged three years old. She lives independently in an adapted house, with some care assistance. A few years ago she was injured in a road accident and, as a result, now has epilepsy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Simon – Interview 16b >> Simon thinks that people with autism should be used to help support people, as they actually understand what the difficulties are.

Simon, aged 22 was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old. He has developed his own strategies to cope during social situations. Simon is interested in animals and aims to find employment in this area. Simon does talks on autism to help people to understand.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women in employment/education: >> Miranda – Interview 05b >> Miranda finds the pace of work at college very fast and has had help at college since getting her diagnosis of Asperger syndrome.

Miranda was recently diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, after three years of her being aware that she may have the condition.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Damian – Interview 03b >> Damian is constantly studying after dropping out of school and being written off by teachers. He is now doing a PhD.

Damian was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome a year ago. He is well educated with a degree, Master’s degree and a PGCE, and is now studying for a PhD. Damian lives with his son, 7, who has classic autism.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Alex – Interview 04b >> Alex’s new carers didn’t notice that she hadn’t eaten for 13 days when she first lived on her own.

Alex was diagnosed with classic autism aged three years old. She lives independently in an adapted house, with some care assistance. A few years ago she was injured in a road accident and, as a result, now has epilepsy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Sam – Interview 17b >> Sam talks about the support he has had that hasn’t helped him.

Sam was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome two years ago. He is studying for a PhD and lives by himself.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Ian – Interview 13b >> Ian’s first college was a “disaster” as it was a special course where the students were “treated like kids”. He is now at a mainstream college studyin

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 >> Simon – Interview 16b >> The Jobcentre staff had “no clue about people with autism”. Simon was told to go to a doctor to prove he had autism.

Simon, aged 22 was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old. He has developed his own strategies to cope during social situations. Simon is interested in animals and aims to find employment in this area. Simon does talks on autism to help people to understand.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> John – Interview 08b >> John's dislike of social interaction and his obsessional focus have led to difficulties in the workplace. He is unsure about whether to disclose his a

After having a lot of contact with mental health services over the years, John was diagnosed with mild Asperger syndrome aged 45. Previous employment has proved problematic for John and he feels employers should be more aware of Asperger syndrome.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Damian – Interview 03b >> Damian has always had a problem with being told what to do, especially when “it is ill thought through” and he isn’t listened to.

Damian was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome a year ago. He is well educated with a degree, Master’s degree and a PGCE, and is now studying for a PhD. Damian lives with his son, 7, who has classic autism.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> John – Interview 08b >> John thinks that raising awareness of autism among employers would help.

After having a lot of contact with mental health services over the years, John was diagnosed with mild Asperger syndrome aged 45. Previous employment has proved problematic for John and he feels employers should be more aware of Asperger syndrome.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Richard and Sue - Interview 10 >> Richard and Sue talk about their different use of internet chat rooms.

Richard was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome seven years ago after being referred to a specialist diagnostic centre. He is working hard to change aspects of his behaviour for his wife and family.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Richard and Sue - Interview 10 >> Sue talks about how her faith in god and her place in the marriage is one of the reasons why she is still with her husband.

Richard was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome seven years ago after being referred to a specialist diagnostic centre. He is working hard to change aspects of his behaviour for his wife and family.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Martin - Interview 10b >> Martin likes not being “an ordinary Joe”.

Martin was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome aged 12. His mother and older brother have since been diagnosed too.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Mary – Interview 01b >> If Mary hadn’t been diagnosed, she wouldn’t be seeing a support worker who understood her.

After researching various conditions on the internet, Mary was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome aged 21. She also has OCD and experiences anxieties.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women in employment/education: >> Gail – Interview 06b >> Gail sees autism as a difference in the same way that race and sexuality are different.

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 not in employment/education >> Simon – Interview 16b >> Simon has passed his driving test and has learnt to try not to be distracted by the shapes and colours of road signs.

Simon, aged 22 was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old. He has developed his own strategies to cope during social situations. Simon is interested in animals and aims to find employment in this area. Simon does talks on autism to help people to understand.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Alex – Interview 04b >> Alex talks about the hazards she may encounter within her home or in her neighbourhood and her current care plan.

Alex was diagnosed with classic autism aged three years old. She lives independently in an adapted house, with some care assistance. A few years ago she was injured in a road accident and, as a result, now has epilepsy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Simon – Interview 16b >> An expert in autism has helped Simon deal with his depression.

Simon, aged 22 was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old. He has developed his own strategies to cope during social situations. Simon is interested in animals and aims to find employment in this area. Simon does talks on autism to help people to understand.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Simon – Interview 16b >> Simon’s friends helped him understand his feelings for a girl who wanted to be his girlfriend.

Simon, aged 22 was diagnosed with autism when he was 5 years old. He has developed his own strategies to cope during social situations. Simon is interested in animals and aims to find employment in this area. Simon does talks on autism to help people to understand.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Alex – Interview 04b >> Alex describes what she has done since she left school.

Alex was diagnosed with classic autism aged three years old. She lives independently in an adapted house, with some care assistance. A few years ago she was injured in a road accident and, as a result, now has epilepsy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Tim and Julie – Interview 09b >> Julie has to give Tim very specific instructions about cleaning the house so he knows exactly what is expected of him.

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 not in employment/education >> Russell – Interview 07b >> Russell would like specific answers to the questions he has about domestic chores, such as what to use to get a stain off the hob.

Russell was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 12 years old. His awareness of potential difficulties is increasing as he grows older and more aware. Russell describes himself as being prone to outbursts and is taking anti-depressants.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Mary – Interview 01b >> A support worker is helping Mary to overcome her fear of going to new places.

After researching various conditions on the internet, Mary was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome aged 21. She also has OCD and experiences anxieties.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Richard and Sue - Interview 10 >> Sue finds it easier to interpret some of Richard’s behaviour as an aspect of his AS and she can now say “I’m here with my disabled husband”.

Richard was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome seven years ago after being referred to a specialist diagnostic centre. He is working hard to change aspects of his behaviour for his wife and family.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Debbie - Interview 19 >> Debbie did not feel that she had an impairment while her mother was alive.

Debbie was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 35 years old after experiencing bullying in the workplace. She now does voluntary work and looks after the home for her father.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Debbie - Interview 19 >> Debbie describes how she has not been able to get the support she needs.

Debbie was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 35 years old after experiencing bullying in the workplace. She now does voluntary work and looks after the home for her father.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Steve - Interview 37 >> Steven talks about how what a relief it is to interact on the internet rather than in person.

Steve and his son have been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome. Steve is studying for a degree in autism using distance learning and has heightened sensory sensitivities and some OCD traits.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Vicky - Interview 38 >> Vicky has found that employers don’t really understand that people on the spectrum need support and help in the workplace.

Vicky was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 33. She lives independently and has a good social life and supportive family but has found it difficult to get employment.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women in employment/education: >> Laurie - Interview 53 >> Laurie has been offered a laptop and a recorder but said no to a note taker because she didn’t want piles of notes at home.

Laurie, 46, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 44. She is starting a university course in journalism and works part time as a market researcher.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Neil and Catherine - Interview 55 >> Catherine and Neil talk about how they support each other and they have both learnt a lot through their relationship.

Catherine, 27, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 23. She works part time as a volunteer gardener.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Mark - Interview 58 >> For Mark the diagnosis means a “little magic piece of paper that says can you treat this person a little differently”.

Mark, 27, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 26. He is returning to university to study economics and accountancy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Mark - Interview 58 >> Mark is more optimistic about his new course at university because he has a diagnosis now and can access support.

Mark, 27, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 26. He is returning to university to study economics and accountancy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Mark - Interview 58 >> Mark soon realised that people with Asperger syndrome are all quite different “and there will be people you like and people you don’t”.

Mark, 27, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 26. He is returning to university to study economics and accountancy.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> James - Interview 49 >> James describes his schooling at the specialist base.

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 not in employment/education >> Luke - Interview 35 >> Luke talks about the things that could have helped him at school.

Luke was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was eight years old. He has written three books and is a keen photographer.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> James - Interview 49 >> James summarises the ways in which the base helped him.

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 who went to a mainstream school explains how they supported him.

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 is having independent travel training and likes going out.

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 >> Richard and Sue - Interview 10 >> Richard and Sue discuss how there are no support groups near them and how support should be directed to youngsters who need more help “to find their p

Richard was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome seven years ago after being referred to a specialist diagnostic centre. He is working hard to change aspects of his behaviour for his wife and family.

• >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Intimate Relationships >> Intimate Relationships

Intimate Relationships

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Intimate Relationships >> Intimate Relationships

Intimate Relationships

• >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Family Relationships >> Family Relationships

Family Relationships

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Family Relationships >> Family Relationships

Family Relationships

• >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Friendships >> Friendships

Friendships

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Friendships >> Friendships

Friendships

• >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Education >> Education

Education

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Education >> Education

Education

• >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Further education >> Further education

Further education

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Further education >> Further education

Further education

• >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Employment and day services >> Employment and day services

Employment and day services

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Employment and day services >> Employment and day services

Employment and day services

• >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Difficulties with employment >> Difficulties with employment

Difficulties with employment

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Difficulties with employment >> Difficulties with employment

Difficulties with employment

• >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Professional support >> Professional support

Professional support

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Professional support >> Professional support

Professional support

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Neil and Catherine - Interview 55 >> Catherine describes the difficulties she has had in work.

Catherine, 27, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 23. She works part time as a volunteer gardener.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women in employment/education: >> Harriet - Interview 42 >> Had Harriet been diagnosed as a child, she wouldn’t have felt that she was “a bad and horrid and evil person”.

Harriet was diagnosed with high functioning autism when she was 39 years old. She has aspects of her life which she finds difficult like changes in routine, sensory sensitivities and a dislike of social interaction.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women in employment/education: >> Harriet - Interview 42 >> Harriet describes the rules and routines she needs are like a narrow straight line she walks along and she has to concentrate not to fall off.

Harriet was diagnosed with high functioning autism when she was 39 years old. She has aspects of her life which she finds difficult like changes in routine, sensory sensitivities and a dislike of social interaction.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women in employment/education: >> Harriet - Interview 42 >> Harriet enjoys her work as a classroom assistant and the children accept her for who she is.

Harriet was diagnosed with high functioning autism when she was 39 years old. She has aspects of her life which she finds difficult like changes in routine, sensory sensitivities and a dislike of social interaction.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> James - Interview 49 >> James was worried about going to university but it has been “brilliant”.

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 >> James - Interview 49 >> James describes how he gradually weaned himself off support and started university without relying on other people.

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 >> Peter - Interview 50 >> Peter has found a support organisation helpful in finding employment.

Peter, aged 33, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome three years ago. He is seeing a psychologist regularly which helps him with depression and he is finding life is getting easier over time.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Duncan - Interview 51 >> Duncan felt pleased to get the diagnosis because ”it put a lot of things into place and answered a lot of questions”.

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 >> John - Interview 52 >> John feels a childhood diagnosis would have changed his life.

John, 65, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 62. He had a series of jobs and started some university courses over the years but is now unemployed and fills up his days ‘by wasting time’.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> John - Interview 52 >> John describes how he meets other people with Asperger’s every week at a pub with “no music, no juke box, no football and no rowdy crowds”.

John, 65, was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 62. He had a series of jobs and started some university courses over the years but is now unemployed and fills up his days ‘by wasting time’.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Peter and Myrtle - Interview 03 >> Peter read a leaflet at the doctor’s surgery and found that 90% of the symptoms described fitted him.

Despite some difficult times, Myrtle describes being incredibly fond of her husband and, when she was in ill health for a number of years, Peter looked after her like ‘an angel’. Peter was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 80. He is having counseling which is helping him to become more aware of the extremes of his behaviour and to control his temper.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Daniel and Margaret - Interview 54 >> Daniel has realised that people with Asperger syndrome are all different through meeting different people at a support group.

Daniel was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 11 years old. He does voluntary work one day a week and Margaret runs a support group for people with Asperger syndrome.

• >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Support groups >> Support groups

Support groups

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Support groups >> Support groups

Support groups

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Mary – Interview 01b >> Mary attends a structured support group where they discuss emotions and talk about how they have been feeling.

After researching various conditions on the internet, Mary was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome aged 21. She also has OCD and experiences anxieties.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Ian – Interview 13b >> Ian finds it easier to make friends with autistic people as they think the same.

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 >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Vicky - Interview 38 >> Vicky finds her support group a place to get away from everyday situations and have a normal life.

Vicky was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when she was 33. She lives independently and has a good social life and supportive family but has found it difficult to get employment.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Richard and Sue - Interview 10 >> Richard and Sue discuss how there are no support groups near them and how support should be directed to youngsters who need more help “to find their p

Richard was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome seven years ago after being referred to a specialist diagnostic centre. He is working hard to change aspects of his behaviour for his wife and family.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men not in employment/education >> Russell – Interview 07b >> Russell mimics people from books so avoids reading them. He doesn’t feel the NAS represents people as they would want to be represented.

Russell was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 12 years old. His awareness of potential difficulties is increasing as he grows older and more aware. Russell describes himself as being prone to outbursts and is taking anti-depressants.

• >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Autism support groups and internet use >> Autism support groups and internet use

The people we talked with had differing support needs [see Everyday life with autism and organisation skills]. Some people we talked with had high levels of support need and had twenty four hour care worker support. Other people, whilst leading apparently normal and successful lives, still experienced disruption or difficulty in their lives and their relationships and their ability to function due to their location on the spectrum.
 

Some people talked about needing very little or no support, or trying to manage without support. One woman, for example, talked about how she could do her own shopping “and things like that” but needed support if she got a job [see Employment].

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Autism support groups and internet use >> Autism support groups and internet use

The people we talked with had differing support needs [see Everyday life with autism and organisation skills]. Some people we talked with had high levels of support need and had twenty four hour care worker support. Other people, whilst leading apparently normal and successful lives, still experienced disruption or difficulty in their lives and their relationships and their ability to function due to their location on the spectrum.
 

Some people talked about needing very little or no support, or trying to manage without support. One woman, for example, talked about how she could do her own shopping “and things like that” but needed support if she got a job [see Employment].

• >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Information >> Information

Information

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Information >> Information

Information

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Mary – Interview 01b >> Mary is getting more used to going out and about with the help of her support worker.

After researching various conditions on the internet, Mary was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome aged 21. She also has OCD and experiences anxieties.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Professional support >> Professional support

Professional support

• >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Professional support >> Professional support

Professional support