Published on 12, July, 2020
Hi, I was diagnosed in 2019 but my wife has suspected that I was on the spectrum since 2007. I was mainstream educated up to degree level and have been in full employment since 1985. I currently work as a chartered tax adviser for a large automotive company.
I love cars, watching motor sport, dogs (we have two), history and archaeology (my degree subject).
I have been married for 30 years and my wife has always supported me - she says that she is my unpaid carer!
I am lucky that my employer has a diversity and inclusion policy and I have an unofficial 'buddy' at work who helps me with any difficult situations, e.g. travelling overseas. Unfortunately, my immediate line manager doesn't really understand autism and thinks of it as some kind of mental health issue - I think he is a bit frightened of the whole subject.
I feel lucky to have progressed as far as I have in both education and work but I have struggled over the years especially with personal relationships where my intensity can become too much for other people. I feel I have 'masked' quite well over the years but now I think I should be more authentic and embrace my differences!
I am looking forward to reading the posts here and getting to know a few more people who are on the spectrum.
Hello and welcome. I’m into history too! What eras interest you most?
You were lucky - my managers were total **********.
I left work 5 years ago - been visiting aircraft museums like Brooklands, Cosford, Hendon etc and having the time of my life - I cannot figure out how I found the time to work and waste 40 hrs /week stuck in an office.
I build large model boats too - 1/96 scale and bigger.
Hi, thanks for the welcome. Fortunately, I've never been bullied at work but I have had 'issues' with line managers who have seen me as being 'difficult', 'stubborn' or 'eccentric'. I now enjoy where I work and there are perks such as having two cars which are changed every six months. Having said that, I am looking forward to retiring in about 5 year's time so I can concentrate on my declared interests (as well as military aircraft, vehicles and ships).
Hi - Welcome aboard!
I'm similar to you - CEng, married 30 years, diagnosed in 2008 after running up against the buffers.
Unfortunately, my company was not at all supportive and I was bullied mercilessly for 20 years by incompetent management until I was so physically ill that they made me a good deal to go away. Best thing that ever happened to me.
I;m a Pan-Nerdist - I'm into anything with wheels, wings and engines.