I’m not my diagnosis

As a child Maisy felt like the odd one out. Now she’s found people she can connect with – and she’s speaking up.

Maisy Culley was 22 when she was diagnosed with autism. She thinks people with autism often feel lonely and isn’t afraid to speak up for herself and others.

“I think it’s because they feel different to their peers. I felt like I’d lost my identity, I was afraid people would just see my diagnosis. I’d urge people to reach out to someone with autism,” says the senior mental health practitioner.

Maisy often questioned why she felt different. “I had to adapt and try to fit in which I used to feel quite guilty about afterwards.”

Today the 24 year old is an autism champion in work and has a strong personal network of support. As a child though, she often felt like the odd one out. “From a very young age I had debilitating anxiety. I was labelled as the shy girl, but I also looked like an average teenager which I think delayed my diagnosis.”

Since then, Maisy has been on a journey of self discovery. “I’m embracing my differences and have amazing support from the people I’ve chosen to connect with. I still mask my autism, but on the days my mask slips off, I feel ok.”

One of her biggest challenges was speaking to others about her diagnosis. But as an autism champion she’s gained confidence and isn’t afraid to speak up.

“I’m able to put myself in other people’s shoes and relate to them,” she says. “I’ve always been able to reflect on my own experiences and empathise with others – that’s one of my superpowers.

I make sure to look after myself, it’s so important. I don’t go out of my way to fit in and be what others want me to be - by hiding away I’m only harming myself.

I’m not my diagnosis. What I bring to the table is so much more than that.”

If you or someone you know needs help visit:

• The Mental Health Foundation: mentalhealth.org.uk

• Studentspace.org.uk or text SHOUT to 85258

• For tips on beating loneliness visit nhs.uk

The facts

Researchers found that:

• Young people aged 16 to 34 are five times more likely to experience chronic loneliness than over 65s

• Women are at greater risk of loneliness than men

• Among adolescents, chronic loneliness is related to negative social experiences such as bullying from peers and siblings and arguments with parents

• People not living in a couple and people in poor health were found to be more likely to be experiencing chronic loneliness.

Source: Investigating Factors Associated with Loneliness in Adults in England. Gov.uk