5 minute read
THIS IS ME
As more and more people are diagnosed with autism as adults, we look at how knowing what makes you who you are can be life changing.
Talking openly about autism has changed perceptions.
Autism Spectrum Condition is a lifelong condition that affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes information and relates to other people. It is described as a ‘spectrum disorder’ because it affects people in many ways and to varying degrees. As social media and access to information increases so does the demand for professional help.
Christine McGuinness, who featured in a documentary about her autistic children, found out she had the condition at 34.
Clinical Psychologist Dr Sonia Anderson sees people – some in their 70s – whose different view of life brings challenges. Part of her approach is to help them turn autism ‘on its head’ and see their traits as a strength, even a superpower.
“Some people may need talking therapies or medication, but often explaining that autism means your brain works in a different way from other people is enough. In many cases adjustments within your home, work or social environment can help and empower you. Being around people who think like you can be a huge source of support.”
Sonia says there are lots of ways someone can be supported.
“We see people who have struggled in education or employment all their lives, but we also see professors, social workers, teachers and students.
“A young man I supported recently had always nursed an ambition to study medicine. He was academically able but had struggled in other ways. We worked with his university to make reasonable adjustments and he’s now settled and doing well.”
Talking openly has changed public perceptions. Naturalist Chris Packham, diagnosed in his 40s has helped others through his openness.
Combatting social stigma is important says Sonia. Autism traits – repetitive behaviour or interests, struggling with sensory input and difficulty making friends are just a few – can worsen during times of stress. People may mask their behaviour to fit in.
”It’s the swan analogy” she says. “On the surface someone might appear to be gliding along seamlessly, but underneath they’re paddling furiously to maintain normality.”
Mersey Care is investing in a modernised accessible autism service from referral and diagnosis to post diagnostic support for those who need it. Although autism is not a mental health problem, some people experience anxiety and depression as a result. If someone being treated for a mental health issue is assessed as having autism, they will be supported for both conditions.
For many people, a diagnosis is enough. “As health professionals we never want to label someone,” says Sonia, “but a diagnosis brings knowledge and understanding of why the person thinks and acts as they do – it really can open doors. Instead of feeling frustrated and confused they feel liberated. They can think ‘what’s happening is because of my autism. They can say ‘this is me’.”
Mersey Care is investing in a modernised accessible autism service from referral and diagnosis to post diagnostic support for those who need it. Although autism is not a mental health problem, some people experience anxiety and depression as a result. If someone being treated for a mental health issue is assessed as having autism, they will be supported for both conditions.
For many people, a diagnosis is enough. “As health professionals we never want to label someone,” says Sonia, “but a diagnosis brings knowledge and understanding of why the person thinks and acts as they do – it really can open doors. Instead of feeling frustrated and confused they feel liberated. They can think ‘what’s happening is because of my autism. They can say ‘this is me’.”
Main feature and interviews:
By Jo Henwood
BEHIND THE MASK
It was a seasonally wet and windy day when I met Christine McGuinness but the wintery weather didn’t dull the spark in her eyes as she told me of the difference that being diagnosed with autism as an adult has made to her.
I understand myself so much more now,” she said, “but I wish that I’d been diagnosed sooner – I left school when I was 14 – an earlier diagnosis would have made such a difference.”
It was in 2021 that the then 33 year old, who was raised in Liverpool, made a life changing discovery: she was autistic. In the recent BBC documentary, ‘Unmasking My Autism’, Christine delves into her late diagnosis and looks at some of the challenges she has encountered. In this
candid film Christine collaborates with experts from King’s College London, and we see that her diagnosis has given her a newfound understanding. Throughout it’s clear that Christine sees diagnosis as an important issue; not just for herself but for other women who may share her struggle.
And there may be many women – some would say countless – who have lived with undiagnosed autism for years. But hope could be at hand as Professor
Francesca Happé, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at King’s College explains, “Our understanding of autism has changed enormously, particularly the recognition in women. The truth is that historically research has mainly looked at boys and men. We’re trying to address that balance now and do much more research with women and girls.”
• Find out more about the Kings College research at : kcl.ac.uk
