• Clip
• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Vicky - Interview 38 >> Vicky worries if people are late and thinks they have been involved in an accident.

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 not in employment/education >> John - Interview 52 >> John walks around and feels that “everyone has ‘got it’ apart from me”.

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 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 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 >> 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 in employment/education >> Peter - Interview 50 >> Peter has always been concerned about being blamed for things.

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 not in employment/education >> John - Interview 52 >> John was pleased that the psychologist understood him and how “it just fitted into place”.

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 >> Daniel - Interview 24 >> Daniel explains why he has never worked.

Daniel was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 23. Daniel also has OCD and worries a lot about offending people.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Tim and Julie – Interview 09b >> Julie has to mediate misunderstandings that occur between her husband and two sons.

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 >> Tim and Julie – Interview 09b >> Tim and Julie discuss the ways in which Tim was different when he was at school.

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.

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

Communication and interaction

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

Communication and interaction

• 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 >> Men in employment/education >> Richard and Sue - Interview 10 >> Sue talks about their children's reactions to Richard’s diagnosis; it has not helped to change what they had already experienced growing up.

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 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 >> Men in employment/education >> James - Interview 49 >> The educational psychologist didn't think James would go to university.

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 >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Neil and Catherine - Interview 55 >> Catherine and Neil were pen pals for a few years before they moved in together.

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

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

Professional support

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

Professional support

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

Support groups

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

Support groups

• >> 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 >> Further education >> Further education

Further education

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

Further education

• >> 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

• 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 not in employment/education >> Richard – Interview 12b >> Richard didn’t know what autism meant until later in his life.

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 >> The members of Oliver’s family who are on the autism spectrum are very easy going and don’t worry about what other people think of them.

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 >> Oliver and Suzie – Interview 11b >> Oliver finds it frustrating that people with autism can fail filling in job applications when they can probably do the job. He has found face to face

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 >> Oliver and Suzie – Interview 11b >> Susie thinks Oliver has a lot of friends but he finds defining friends difficult.

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 not in employment/education >> Daniel and Margaret - Interview 54 >> Margaret describes how Daniel has learnt some responses and he says things because he thinks it’s the right thing to say.

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.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Women in employment/education: >> Miranda – Interview 05b >> People should see the person and not the disability.

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 not in employment/education >> Daniel and Margaret - Interview 54 >> Daniel has learnt that the most important thing is to accept yourself as who you are.

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.

• 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.

• Autism >> Life on the Autism spectrum >> Men in employment/education >> Mark - Interview 58 >> Mark describes how "silly tiny little trivial things” like filling in forms or going to Tescos make him feel stupid.

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 >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Mary – Interview 01b >> Mary finds her OCD more debilitating than her anxiety and dislike of dealing with the public.

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 >> Mary – Interview 01b >> While they try to be helpful, Mary feels her parents don’t really understand the problems she experiences.

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 >> 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 >> Women in employment/education: >> Miranda – Interview 05b >> Miranda was pleased to get answers even though she was over 40 when she was diagnosed.

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 >> Women not in paid employment/education >> Alex – Interview 04b >> the diagnosis didn’t get Alex sweets, drinks or toys so didn’t interest her.

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 >> 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 >> 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 not in employment/education >> John – Interview 08b >> John finds his difficulties socialising are magnified when he is with women.

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 not in employment/education >> Luke - Interview 35 >> Luke describes the triad of impairments.

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 >> Steve - Interview 37 >> Steven viewed the diagnosis as a starting point for him to say “Well, yes, that is me, I understand now why I do those things”.

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 >> 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 >> 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 >> Men not in employment/education >> Simon – Interview 16b >> Education professionals should have more autism awareness training, and they should involve people with autism in this.

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 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 >> Men not in employment/education >> Simon – Interview 16b >> Simon likes Wikipedia and also found reading the Beano helpful when he was younger because the characters’ expressions where highlighted.

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 thinks that teachers assume you can’t do anything, rather than acknowledging you find certain things harder than other people.

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 >> 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.