What is autism?
Autism is interpreted individually by each person diagnosed with the condition and their families, partners, children, and friends. Such a complex condition affects each individual negatively and positively, making them vulnerable in some areas but perhaps stronger in other areas.
A helping hand
“Since I moved into outreach-supported housing some years back, I've been supported to maintain my tenancy and my wellbeing. For example, I need help keeping my accommodation safe and tidy. Support workers also help my emotional wellbeing by raising any concerns if they believe I'm becoming unwell, either physically or emotionally. I’ve become more independent - but there's always room for improvement.”
My passions
“I have a passion for photographing and filming old steam trains, classic cars, WW2 aircraft, airliners, and architecture. My favourite location is the Imperial War Museum at Duxford near Cambridge. I've fulfilled my ambition of sitting in the cockpit of an actual Spitfire! We have a model railway in my dad’s shed. This is a hobby I enjoy when I'm not busy doing tenant involvement work for my landlord Reside With Progress, or similar activities at Lifeways.”
Award-winning achievements
“Over the past 10 to 15 years, I've been increasingly involved with both my landlord as part of their Scrutiny Pool, and my support provider, Lifeways, in developing and improving tenants' services, by helping to interview prospective new support workers. In 2018, my landlord won local and national Tenant Participation Advisory Service (TPAS) awards for tenant involvement, and I was at both ceremonies!”
The future
“My goals for the future are to continue to make sure all those who receive care and support packages have the best deals possible. This includes their families, partners, and friends. I hope that autism awareness and advancing the opportunities for people with autism to live their lives to the full is always on the cutting edge of advancing disability awareness and acceptance.
“The ultimate goal would be for all of us, including those with autism and mental health conditions, to make a positive contribution to society, making our country a great place to be. You only get out what you put into it. Even if you're volunteering a few hours a week in a charity shop or at a museum or tourist attraction, you're playing a valuable part in society!”
Words of wisdom
"If you want to be accepted in society and be successful, you won't do it by sitting at home all day feeling sorry for yourself. There is an increasing level of support out there. When you overcome the barrier of self-doubt, you shouldn't feel any shame or stigma in seeking help and support to make a success of your life. There is no shame in admitting you need help.”
About David
David is a supported living tenant and part of our tenant involvement scrutiny pool, helping identify what we do well and make recommendations for improvements.
David originally provided his insights into living with autism in a special interview with Lifeways for World Autism Awareness Week 2020, and kindly agreed for us to re-publish.
