Hello Everyone! I am looking to connect and make new friends.

andybakerguitar

https://www.youtube.com/%40AntiSocialGuitarist

Hi Everyone,

I'm Andy, and I'm navigating life with neurodiversity. I received a late assessment confirming autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), pathological demand avoidance (PDA), sensory processing disorders (SPD), and specific learning difficulties (SpLDs) like dyslexia and dyspraxia. It's been a labyrinthine journey of understanding, and I'm still learning daily.

From a young age, I realised that I experienced the world in a unique. Music and art became my sanctuary. I started playing the guitar when I was seven, and it has been my constant companion ever since. Unaware of my neurodivergence, I faced significant social and academic challenges in school, which resulted in me not obtaining formal qualifications. However, my passion for music has remained unwavering.

Despite the challenges, I've built a career as a professional musician, composer, and producer. It might seem unexpected, but I even used my musical knowledge and technology to pursue higher education, earning a bachelor's, master's, and doctorate.

My neurodiversity presents daily challenges, and at times, these struggles feel all-consuming. Yet, within these challenges, unexpected strengths have emerged. While navigating the complexities of social dynamics, interdiscursivity, sensory overload, and processing differences are constant endeavours, my hypersensitivity to light, sound, and physical surroundings has become a unique asset. It allows me to explore the intricate nuances and patterns within music and art with exceptional depth. This has fostered specialist interests in crafting unique textures and innovative compositional methodologies driven by lateral thinking and the dialectical juxtaposition of uncommon sounds.

Alongside my musical pursuits, I derive solace and inspiration from the natural world. As a devoted ornithologist and wildlife enthusiast, I enjoy exploring nature and historical sites. Above all, I value the time spent guiding my children through the stunning landscapes of Britain. I eagerly anticipate connecting with this community to share stories and exchange our vivifying experiences.

Rosie_Scope

Hi @andybakerguitar, welcome to the community. Thanks for sharing so much about yourself, it's so interesting to hear about how your neurodiversity interacts with your love of music. I know our @Albus_Scope has a music background too, so I'll tag him to say hello!

I hope you'll enjoy your time on the community and find some connections with others 😊

luvpink

@andybakerguitar

Hi and a very warm welcome to the community.

Albus_Scope

Heya @andybakerguitar and it's a big welcome from me too! I feel we should ask you about your Big Breakfast appearance. 😉

andybakerguitar

Thank you so much, everyone. I wanted to share some information: just because someone is neurodivergent, a person with a disability, struggles with specific learning difficulties, or shows no interest in the traditional educational pathway, it doesn't mean there aren't alternative methods to achieving their goals.

andybakerguitar

@Albus_Scope hey, thanks! Do you really want to hear about my Big Breakfast appearance? 😅 I totally forgot it was on YouTube! 😂

Albus_Scope

Haha, I had to have a little nosey, that looked like quite the day! I studied "popular and contemporary music" at uni, focusing on bass and drums. Plus used to DJ, do promotion and play in a few bands. So music's been a huge part of my life. 😊

andybakerguitar

It was quite the day! We had no idea what to expect, including the questions we would be asked. How do you answer something like, "What is the most rock 'n' roll thing you've ever done?" while thinking lightning quick in front of 4 million people and keeping it family-friendly? There were other moments like this, but I won’t mention them, haha!

Where did you study popular and contemporary music, and do you have any links to your material?

andybakerguitar

Maybe we should do some music for charity? - this one 🙂

Albus_Scope

I think the Big Breakfast always was on that family friendly tightrope and often fell off it. 😆

I studied in Portsmouth many moons ago, some of my fellow course mates have gone on to some decent success with bands and working for the BBC etc, so it's been great to watch. Alas most of the things that were recorded were back in the day of tapes and CDs, so I don't have much on line any more. But I'm hoping to jump back in the saddle later this year now my health is a bit better.

The Scope community band, I like it! 😁