Autism and Andy (2025)

02/04/2024

Thankfully, I am very lucky 👍

12/03/2024

I am very open about my autism and ADHD however, please don't speak on my behalf and use it as a justification for me being me.
If I talk to someone, I am saying what I need to say. It may be a little abrupt sometimes but I am not being rude, I am just being me 👍

11/02/2024

🔥 Today I received the results of my NEBOSH fire exam and risk assessment. Frustratingly, I failed the exam by 3 marks, just like my General Certificate when I started my Health and Safety journey. While I ace the Risk Assessment part every time, exams have always been my nemesis since school, leading me to investigate potential learning difficulties. Though I don't have one, it did lead to my diagnosis of autism and ADHD. It's frustrating to have the knowledge but struggle with exams. Congratulations to all who passed! I'll request a remark to find those 3 points. 📝

28/01/2024

I just had a realisation that might help explain my thought process. You've probably heard the phrase "thinking outside the box" before. 😁

Well, I understand that it means to think creatively and unconventionally. However, in my mind, I imagine someone who doesn't need to sit in a box to work things out! 🤔

19/12/2023

Well here we go, my attempt at a deep and meaningful post.
There seems to be a lot of pillocks drawing from negativity and pointing blame at others rather than admitting their mistakes. Pushing blame and negativity leads to nothing other than further underhandedness We are ALL getting older and life is VERY precious ❤️
Time for a change for me as I am starting to understand what I enjoy. Now I know I am ADHD and Autistic, I get why I have been trying to "follow the crowd" but this is not who I am

03/12/2023

Embracing my neurodiverse mind on International Day of Persons with Disabilities! 🌍💙 Despite challenges, it gives me unique perspectives and amazing ideas. Learning from mistakes and spreading positivity—let's all be good eggs! 🤙

30/11/2023

I just had some time doom scrolling through social media. I saw something that made me think "Ooh that'll be interesting, I'll Google it". However, the next post made me laugh and I completely forgot what the "interesting" thing to Google was.
In our house we call this OOH SQUIRREL! This basically means I've been completely distracted and lost my......... OOH SQUIRREL 🤣🤣

26/11/2023

Reflecting on my journey with autism and ADHD, I've often felt an inner need to please people. Volunteering brought me joy, but post-diagnosis, I realised the toll it took. It's challenging to understand how quickly people can discard your contributions. Maybe one day, I'll navigate these hurdles and re-engage with my community.

16/11/2023

One thing I am struggling to deal with post-Autism and ADHD diagnosis is this label of "venerable" adult!
In the Equality Act 2010 guidance document, there is an example of adverse effects on abilities. The example talks about a person with Asperger syndrome (a form of autism) not being able to understand instructions during office banter due to his inability to isolate the instruction from social conversation. I can very much relate to that statement.
Autistica, 'the UK's leading autism research and campaigning charity' states "people with autism are vulnerable in different ways and at different times, but there is currently no way to measure their vulnerability. Vulnerability in autism can lead to abuse, social exclusion, victimisation and mental illness"
I have and continue to push myself out of my comfort zone and put my head above the parapet. People have been so kind, engaging and supportive along the way. I have been positively challenged and learned a lot from that. I have also been negatively and aggressively confronted and bullied by some. Have those who have negatively and aggressively impacted my life spotted my "vulnerability" or are they just an arse or both?
I do struggle to understand why some do such negative things to others, whether they are vulnerable or not. 🤙

I've shared a glimpse into my journey post-diagnosis, and I believe that understanding and empathy can bridge gaps. If you feel comfortable, share your experiences or thoughts below. Let's create a space where we learn from each other. 💙

11/11/2023

🌟 Embracing vulnerability, I've faced the shock of being diagnosed with ADHD and Autism within a year. It's disheartening when so-called friends exploit our connection for personal gain, only to discard it afterward. To those who genuinely support and cherish me, thank you for standing by my side. 🙏

03/11/2023

🔊 Sharing my journey post-autism diagnosis in 2022 and recent ADHD diagnosis. 🚀 On social media, I've observed a concerning trend – some individuals seem more focused on how to claim benefits than on genuine understanding and support. 🤨

Beware of self-diagnosed "influencers" dishing out advice, which can be dangerously misleading. Let's cut through the BS, seek credible sources, and prioritise real awareness and education. 💪

28/10/2023

NOT a sympathy post 👍

🌟 Update: It's been almost a year since my autism diagnosis. This week, I had a last-minute appointment with a consultant psychiatrist, and to my surprise, I was diagnosed with ADHD. 🤔

This new diagnosis has brought up mixed feelings for me. I look back on my life and feel proud of all I've accomplished, even with the challenges. Many have told me, "You make your life difficult," but I can't imagine living any other way. I'm grateful for my wonderful family and friends who've been with me on this unique journey.

I perceive life differently from most, and I cherish that. If you think that we're all a bit on the spectrum, welcome aboard! I encourage you to take some free online assessments (try a few) to explore your own understanding.

I'll keep navigating this path with the love and support of all of you ❤️. Thank you for being a part of my journey.

24/10/2023

It's almost exactly a year since my autism diagnosis. Today started with another appointment with a consultant psychiatrist. Guess what......... I have ADHD FFS 👍

21/10/2023

Today, I was absolutely frozen while trying to decide if I should go for a pint. I had to ask for help to decide 🤪 WTF

14/10/2023

Now, according to my post autism diagnosis research, I am classed as a vulnerable person.
How? I'm just me!
I look back and think how others have used me to better themselves. I wonder where and when, and if any of this has been people abusing me and my lack of full understanding? 🤔

11/09/2023

Today was brought to me by Autistic Burnout!

I couldn't even complete tonight's run 🤔

Autistic burnout is the “intense physical, mental or emotional exhaustion” that many autistic individuals experience at some point. It can often be accompanied by a temporary loss of skills. That means that something the person could do fine before might now be difficult or impossible for them to do.

Autism and Andy