I’VE NEVER BEEN HAPPIER

After 28 years living in a world of confusion and frustration, Linton Jonas was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and given the right support. Eight years on he’s loving life.

When overwhelmed, Linton would ‘accidentally’ ring his gran Sheila, the fulcrum of his life. It could be anytime, including the early hours of the morning.

“I just wanted to hear her voice,” said Linton. “It would calm me down.”

At school he was bullied by other pupils and seen as lazy by some teachers. “I didn’t make eye contact; I was very quiet and subdued and not good around other kids.”

Things improved after Linton was diagnosed with dyslexia and moved schools. He was more comfortable among what he describes as ‘people like me’ and staff helped to unlock his reading potential.

But he was still struggling to fit in and would rebel against teachers and family.

“I would refuse to go into shops. The crowds, the noise and the bright lights would make me feel anxious.”

It was during a post college role at a gardening project in Southport that his lack of eye contact and reluctance to take down his hood or remove his coat (which he used as a safety net) was noted by a staff member, who suggested to gran Sheila that Linton might be autistic.

There were more dark days waiting for a diagnosis. “I’m not going to lie, I did have suicidal thoughts,” says Linton. “I don’t think I’d be here today If it wasn’t for my grandparents and my father.”

In 2015 Linton was diagnosed with *Asperger’s, an autistic spectrum sydrome. He describes it as ‘a huge relief’.

A therapy course with Mersey Care has helped him process his thoughts and emotions. His big breakthrough came when Autism Spectrum Condition recovery worker Ian Matthias introduced Linton to a photography course.

He was able to develop a lifelong passion for photography. Now involved in a film project he’s enjoying being with like minded people and is involved in setting up an autism friendship group in Southport.

Linton wants to share his new love of life. “I couldn’t be happier. Now I want to help other people with autism... I understand what they are going through.”

A RELAXED ASSESSMENT

An autism assessment appointment will be face to face with a diagnostician and may take between three and four hours. A parent or carer with you can help you feel more relaxed and answer many of the questions about your early years.

Diagnostician Sharon Meade explains the need for lots of questions: “Indications of autism can be similar to those brought on by many things, including trauma, so we want to find out whether traits were present as a child.”

HELP

You may be offered some post diagnostic support. You may be given advice and recommendations such as making reasonable adjustments at your workplace or place of study, like a dedicated workspace, a direct point of contact, permission to wear

earphones or a standing chair. You could get support to attend health appointments or join a group or help claiming benefits.

During the assessment you may be asked about:

• When you learnt to walk and talk

• Friends and friendships

• How you behave at social occasions (like parties)

• How you cope with change –your route to work, holidays, furniture moved in the house

• Any sensory sensitivities, such as light, sound, smell or taste.

SUPERPOWERS

Here are some examples of positive aspects of autism:

• Thorough, accurate and attentive to detail

• Creative with distinctive imagination, able to express ideas

• Tenacious and resilient, able to challenge opinions

• Less likely to judge others

• Honest, loyal and committed

• Deeply knowledgeable on subjects, with high level of skills

• Methodical and analytical, spotting patterns and repetition

• Unique in thought processes, finding innovative solutions

• Able to concentrate deeply without distraction

• Good at listening, looking, learning and fact finding

• Able to absorb and retain facts.