Keith is a local autistic autism campaigner who has successfully raised awareness and spread his message of acceptance for over 25 years
How was your experience at school?
It was 50/50. Primary education was very inclusive however at secondary it was not a great experience. I found it to be more about egos. I had clear issues with learning and socialisng at school and that was a major barrier for me. I wasn’t diagnosed at the time but there was no support for me at school even with obvious difficulties. Without a diagnosis nothing was picked up and there was no support from teachers.
You went on to achieve higher education qualifications. What were these?
I initially went on to do a national dimploma in Hereford and later become a graduate of Northampton University studying visual Communications and graphic design. I became self aware of my own barriers and this helped me to achieve my degree. The barriers I faced at Northampton University were more around social settings but focus on the creativity of the course helped get through this. I particularly enjoyed getting into communications and branding during this time and this has continued to be a passion of mine to this day with my work in information design.
What has been your experience of getting into employment?
Unfortunately there have been barriers in employment. I feel there is still a big barrier is between what skills you can bring to a role and what skills you are qualified in. And then it’s not just the qualifications it’s the people skills and the personality- if you don’t fit in socially its hard to stay in a role. Autistic people struggle because they may be able to do a certain role they are hired for but then more is expected of them within a workplace and it becomes too much. It then becomes about your people skills and perceptions rather than what you can bring to the table. I am not always relatable so this divides people.
Can you tell us more about your diagnosis?
My diagnosis came later in life. I was constantly between mental health and psychology services and it took a long time. It took about 18 months between the first assessment and the final diagnosis and was not a positive experience for me.
Can you tell us more about your diagnosis?
My diagnosis came later in life. I was constantly between mental health and psychology services and it took a long time. It took about 18 months between the first assessment and the final diagnosis and was not a positive experience for me.
A positive trait about the autism I have is that I have learnt to look at the bigger picture- I have skills that I have learnt through my education but I can see the bigger picture. I can share my knowledge and raise awareness.
A barrier of my autism is that people often have suspicions and think I am a liability. Many people on the spectrum have strengths and attributes but
people aren’t always aware of this. I am constantly presented with the term ‘wasted talent’ where i have a specific talent but doors are closed in my face before I can even show it because of how I am perceived. Getting a diagnosis did not provide immediate answers- It was a gradual thing. I had to source information myself in order for my family to understand me after my diagnosis. Its not always talked about but families have perceptions of how someone should be and there is no holistic approach to support families after a diagnosis.
How has autism west midlands supported you over the years?
Autism West Midlands have supported me immensely over the years and I have accessed a lot of their services. I have had access to the outreach service which helped me immensely with barriers I faced in the community and breaking these down and building my confidence. I had support from their previous employment service aspire and I even did some volunteer work within their marketing department years ago to help support with their branding and design. I have regularly accessed the helpline for advice and information on services when I have needed additional support. They assist you but they see the best in you and that’s so important to me. Without autism west midlands I wouldn’t have been able to develop my own awareness campaigns and share my voice.
What would be your advice to other autistic people?
Through neurodiversity anything is possible. It isn’t just for young people its for all ages. A lot of older autistic people feel undervalued. We talk about embracing autistic people but for me there is less focus on over 25s- there are a lot of older people who have experience and insight that can be beneficial. We must not exclude any ages- autism affects every age for a whole lifetime! If an environment is all inclusive you will get the best out of everybody and it is possible.
“We must not let misconceptions, particular view points or political movements get in the way. We are all smarter than that!”
