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Trogluddite

I had a wonderful experience today which I'd like to share with you all.  First a little background to set the scene...

I have been desperately anxious about my finances over the past few weeks.  My benefit claims seem to be taking forever to process, and I've been living off what little remained in my current account since my last job ended.

I managed eventually to find the pass-book for an old savings account that I haven't used for many years.  However, the personal details on the account were hopelessly out of date, and I find it hard to ID myself as I have no passport, driving licence etc.

As usual, I left everything until the last possible moment.  I've been prevaricating and procrastinating for weeks now - until realising earlier in the week that my current account was only good for maybe another week of food.

I went to my local branch of the bank this morning to see if someone could help me to sort this mess out.  For the first time ever, I made it clear from the beginning that I am autistic.

The woman I saw immediately arranged for us to go to a quieter room, calmly sorted out the problem while carefully explaining everything that she was doing, and I now have an arrangement that will see me through another few months while DWP get their act together.

When I went to thank her for her kindness at the end, I immediately burst into an uncontrollable flood of tears.  She went and got me a drink, and arranged that I could stay in the room until I felt strong enough to cope with the journey home.

A letter is now in the post to her superiors commending her for her patience, understanding and kindness.

I'm crying again now just writing about it.  I cannot think of a better example of how the right attitude from staff can make dealing with authority so much easier for autistic people.

  • That's a great story Trogluddite, thanks for posting about it. I'm a great believer in credit where it's due, and that lady is certainly due some!  I hope her employers take note, and do soemthing to encourage all staff to be as aware and compassionate.

  • Thankyou, Telstar.

    Yes, I agree entirely.  While, of course, it is a good idea to write if we have something to complain about too, it's only by letting people in authority know when something goes right that they can pass on best practices.  I'm so glad that I remembered to write the woman's name down, so that she could get the credit that she deserved.

    It's good to hear about your positive experience too.  I find that with telephone conversations, having that clarity is even more important, as I dislike using the phone at the best of times, which makes me much more prone to misunderstanding.

    I'm also glad that I decided to mention that I am autistic, too.  I have shied away from doing this previously, for fear of how people might react.  Having such a positive experience gives me a little more courage to assert my need for a little extra help sometimes.

    And I can now really enjoy my Easter holiday weekend - I feel so much calmer this evening now that my money issues are settled for the time being. 

  • Trogluddite, what a wonderful experience, and what a superb employee this lady is!  If only more people had her attitude, it would be so much easier for those of us on the spectrum.  It was especially good that she explained everything carefully, leaving you in no doubt as to what was arranged.

    It's such a good idea to commend employees like this, so that management know who are the good, caring staff.  I'm sure your letter will help her be recognised for her good work too.

    I was speaking to somebody on an insurance helpline last year, and finding it difficult to process the information I was being given, so I mentioned about possibly being on the autistic spectrum (though I've yet to be fully assessed).  The reaction was really gratifying - the employee at the other end gave me time to write things down and to process and understand them, and made clear any points I was having difficulty with - it was so much better to deal with him.  I spoke to his superior next day to explain how much easier the employee had made it, speaking over the phone.  I totally agree that it's a good idea to write to these companies, when staff really make the effort to help, as this lady did.

    Hope things go ok in the next few months for you, and thanks for relating such a positive story.