“Since I’ve been diagnosed with autism, my life has started again”

I started receiving support from Southdown after I met an East Sussex Community Links worker at an Asperger’s support group I go to. I approached her because I was having trouble. I’d been struggling for 53 years. It was only in 2018 I was diagnosed with autism.

I struggled with social communication and being in crowds and I’m highly dyslexic. School was horrible – I just got left in the back because it wasn’t picked up. I got bullied a lot. My home life wasn’t good either – my dad died when I was 14. I was told I wouldn’t amount to anything and so that affected me quite badly.

I found it difficult to keep jobs. It was hard. I just soldiered on. Up to now it’s been a horrible life. Most people thought I was daft. I just had to muddle through and find stuff to keep me calm.

I found ways to help myself. I would take myself away for breaks from work – Ground Mapping (finding new football grounds), seeing steam trains, and pursuing my interest in Roman archaeology. Music and earphones are my saviour – they help me go to town and onto trips and trains. They make me feel safe. Other things that help are photography and yoga on the beach with a group.

Since I’ve been diagnosed with autism, my life has started again.

Before I met my Community Links Worker, I hadn’t been to the doctor for three years because my old doctor retired and facing strangers is my worst nightmare. I get very anxious. I would meet my Community Links Worker in cafes and she helped me go to appointments because new and unfamiliar things are difficult for me.

I went to some recovery courses for my mental health and I’ve been going to the Wellbeing Centre for drop-in sessions and activities for a year now. It took me a long time to go but I’m alright there now – I feel comfortable. I have a Key Worker there.

When my Community Links Worker left to have her baby it was hard because I’d known her for a year. There was no-one I felt I could talk to about good stuff and bad stuff. But I plucked up the courage to go to Community Connectors.

I met my Community Navigator from there every three weeks. It’s been good for me. The support has helped me. When I first went there I was very low and didn’t think a lot of myself. I chatted to her about what I wanted to get out of life. I wanted to do things in the community.

I’ve found I’m really good at art. It’s wonderful. It’s very relaxing. Because I thought I was rubbish at it when I was younger, I do it all the time now that I know I have a talent. If I’ve had a bad day, I do art.

One of the people at the Asperger’s group told me about Compass Arts. The art helps me cos now I have confidence in myself. I’ve had one of my pictures displayed for Compass Arts in a little gallery in Hove and had a picture hanging in a church.

I also go to Langney Priory a lot. It’s important for me to be part of the community there. It’s so lovely. That helps a lot. I chill there, do gardening there, spin wool there. I’ve been taught these skills and they’ve said I could help out.

Since going to the Asperger’s support group I’ve made a few friends there. I’m a lot more confident now – I’m going to be in a play! Drama helps a lot too. Community Connectors has helped me with my confidence. Before, I wouldn’t go anywhere new. Now it feels easier.

I am no longer with Community Connectors cos I’m doing so well but my Community Navigator suggested I could be a Community Connectors Buddy Volunteer! Because I’ve had a lot of bad experiences in my life, I think I’d be good at helping people.

A year ago I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this. But through Community Links, Community Connectors and going to the Asperger’s group, I’ve become so much more confident.