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BroughAndy

Hi, my name is Andy and I was born in 1967. I strongly believe I am mid level on the ASD spectrum. I didn't really realise this until rather late in life. Training for a new job about how best to interact with ASD clients made me realise I actually had most of the "characteristics and behaviour" 😲🫢

Anyways it's helped me reconcile my strange behaviour at times, such as hating University! (Somehow I got through with a good grade).

I had a moderately successful career in IT, but a mixture of burning out and the introduction of Agile methods (not compatible with ASD) caused me to retire early.

I'm reasonably content after ending a 20 year marriage which became increasing dysfunctional and abusive. No regrets as it produced of lovely daughter.

Looking forward to the group here.

Andy.

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Comments

WhatThe

Hiya Andy and welcome to Scope 🤩 what a great introduction!

It's a huge shock and relief to discover autism, isn't it? There are a few of us here and I've learned a lot about the condition on this forum.

I feel the exactly same about my marriage - that it wasn't a failure because we produced this wonderful person. I prefer being alone now but obviously we're all different.

BroughAndy

https://forum.scope.org.uk/discussion/comment/1034062#Comment_1034062

Haha thanks, part of my ASD is probably oversharing but I enjoyed writing it and I'm glad you enjoyed reading it.

When I was listening to the training notes on ASD, my main reaction was actually a feeling of complete stupidity for not realizing it before. That created the shock so you're quite correct.

I made a couple of friends well into the second term of the first year but in general my behavior was very anti-social and disturbed me when I reflected on it after I got some (not a lot!) social confidence through my career.. so yes that bit is definitely a relief.

It's very good that you're positive about the child resulting from your marriage. I never had any doubts that I wanted a child and it's probably one of the few things I was sure about in my life.

WhatThe

Nice. It's unusual to hear that from a man.

She identified my autism so I owe her everything! My meltdowns had become more frequent and psychotic. It's hard to let go of the shame and it took practice.

Training for a new job about how best to interact with ASD clients made me realise I actually had most of the "characteristics and behaviour" 😲🫢

What led you to this line of work if that's not too personal and what did you study at uni?

BroughAndy

Thanks for the compliment. I think my mind may be a little feminine haha.

Well I was unemployed for 6 months and the job centre found me a call centre job for Benefits Claimants. I took the offer assuming it would be answering claimers' calls but in fact it was cold calling! Not for me so only stayed of month.

I did mathematics and computing. Enjoyed the practical nature of the Computing. Bath is beautiful but my mental health was too poor to appreciate it fully.

Mary_Scope

Hi @BroughAndy and a warm welcome to the community😊

Thank you for sharing a bit about yourself, I hope you enjoy your time on the community!

WhatThe

You went over to the dark side? 😱

Only kidding!

That role was cold calling benefits claimants with ASD and the training material led you to recognise characteristics within yourself? Have I got that right?