Matthew, HWNT Business Support Officer, Shares his Personal Experiences of Living with Autism

Matthew, HWNT Business Support Officer, Shares his Personal Experiences of Living with Autism

March 31, 2023

As part of Autism Acceptance Week 2023, Matthew, Healthwatch North Tyneside’s Business Support Officer, who was recently diagnosed with Autism, shares his thoughts on his experiences and why Autism Acceptance Week is so important.

“This is my first year being involved with supporting this vital awareness week through Healthwatch North Tyneside, but this is not my first experience of Autism awareness by any means.

I was receiving mental health treatment for Social Anxiety and Depression, which I had been diagnosed with the previous year. I was making good progress with thanks to an extremely supportive Community Psychiatric Nurse and Psychiatrist. Social anxiety and difficulties with my social skills and communication have impacted on me for most of my life. These challenges had previously been attributed to my physical disability (Albinism, a visual impairment) or experiences from my past. It was only when I met my psychiatrist that an alternative explanation was offered, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

Following advice from my psychiatrist and some changes to my personal circumstances, I decided to pursue an adult Autism diagnosis. It was a momentous time for me, opening myself to the possibility of a new identity, one which at the time I had limited knowledge of. I would be lying if I said I felt entirely positive about this, but that is where Autism Acceptance Week comes in.

I was a few weeks into my research about Autism, and the beginning of Autism Acceptance Week. I had learned about the various challenges associated with Autism, many of which I had experienced myself. Autism Acceptance Week show me this was not the only side to Autism, in fact there are positives too. Attention to detail, intense focus, diverse viewpoints and an in-depth knowledge and passion for subjects and hobbies can all be associated with Autism, and traits I began to identify with myself.

Now I have my ASD diagnosed I am much happier! I am now able to see the benefits this identity has and am proud and passionate about my hobbies and my work at Healthwatch North Tyneside. I see the unique viewpoint I can bring, and feel comfortable to bring new ideas to the team. I do not wish to underestimate the challenges associated with Autism, I just want to reach out to anyone who is currently experiencing these. Whilst it may be difficult, Autism can also be empowering and part of your identity to be proud of!

My Healthwatch North Tyneside colleagues have given me a tremendous welcome since I started in January 2023. Everyone has been very supportive and understanding and I believe Autism Awareness Week has been crucial in increasing and reshaping people’s understanding. If anyone reading this feels they need support with accessing Autism services, I would encourage them to get in touch with Healthwatch North Tyneside. I sincerely hope everyone is able to get to a place where they see Autism the way I do now.”