Life experiences

Hi, this is something that I have kept secret from all but my close family and it is something I have only realised now is worth discussing: 

I was diagnosed with Asperger's aged 11 and throughout most of my life I learnt to cope with without not a lot of people knowing. I went to University and achieved a good class Honours degree with the aim of pursing a career in teaching - basically things were going well in my life and I felt in complete control with what was going on with regards to my autism. 

However I attended a different university to study my teacher training course and I was bullied by the course leader for the programme - she constantly berated me in front of my peers and at one time in front of a colleague in an open, public area of the university due to my 'behavioural mannerisms' and 'lack of professionalism' on campus. needless to say I did not graduate from the course due to thos reasons despite my willingness and determination to complete the course. 

However worse was to come, I finally became brave enough to make a formal complaint to the university as I felt strongly that her behaviour had impacted my life and left my self-esteem shattered; however, the university refused to accept responsibility and did not conduct a thorough investigation stating that I had 'misinterpreted' the behaviour of the employee. 

I complained further to the OIA and independent adjudicator to review the case in which I subsequently discovered that the same employee had made fictitious lies about my conduct and behaviour when I was her student and even falsely accused me of being directly involved in another investigation when another student had complained about her behaviour. 

There were also other members of staff who had written statements on behalf of the University's employee in which they attacked me by claiming that I was 'rude' 'aggressive' and at times confrontational. One member of staff even said that I 'asked questions that were obvious to other students with a more professional outlook.' and another further stated that I 'lacked the ability to take on feedback and advice given to me.' 

Needless to say that the OIA investigated the case and found the university at fault for their actions but I never received any form of apology or any remorse from the member of staff that bullied me and knocked my self-esteem. 

I currently attempted to undertake a masters degree to pursue a new career but due to my financial circumstances based on my experiences at that previous university I am unable to cope with completing the course. 

At this moment I have felt the lowest I ever have in my life - and I have often contemplated the thought of suicide because of the way that university treated me during my time there. 

I hope this story reaches out to people so that people can realise that even to this day the ignorance that exists in society and lack of understanding about people like me who require additional support that we are left to suffer. I wish to tell people about my story so that other younger people with ambitions of studying at university never go through the experiences that I had. 

Best wishes,