Birmingham Resident Transforms Shame into Pride Over Autism Diagnosis
A Birmingham-based woman has opened up about her profound journey from feeling ashamed of her autism diagnosis to embracing it with immense pride, sharing her heartfelt reflections during World Autism Acceptance Month. Vicki, who lives at Cygnet Elms, a care service in Birmingham, recounted how she always knew she was "very different" from others from a young age.
Early Struggles and Misdiagnosis
Vicki explained that she observed others easily handling tasks that she found overwhelmingly difficult, such as visiting shops, going outside, or processing schoolwork. She said, "I knew that I was very different to other people and that other people were experiencing different things to me. I could see that other people would be able to do things easily, that I found really hard."
Initially, Vicki was diagnosed with ADHD, as those symptoms were more apparent. However, after receiving medication for ADHD, it became clear that her autistic needs were not being met. She highlighted sensory sensitivities, particularly noise sensitivity, and struggles with self-regulation as key issues that underscored her autism.
From Shame to Acceptance
Vicki admitted that accepting her autism diagnosis was not easy at first. She felt ashamed and feared being perceived as less than others, worrying it would hinder her ability to find jobs, maintain friendships, and navigate daily life. She shared, "For a long time, I was ashamed of my diagnoses. All of them. I didn’t want to be different from others and I was so desperate to fit in and be ‘normal’, not realising that normal doesn’t exist."
Her perspective has since undergone a complete transformation, thanks in part to support from companies like Cygnet Elms and Open Theatre Company. Now, Vicki is not only proud of her autism but is also studying it at a PhD level. She exclaimed, "With companies like Elms, and Open Theatre Company, my opinion of my Autism has changed. I am now proud to be autistic and I champion autism- even to the point of studying it at PhD level!"
Addressing Common Misconceptions
Despite her pride, Vicki pointed out persistent misconceptions about autism. She noted that people often assume autistic individuals cannot do certain things or, conversely, overestimate their abilities based on academic achievements. She explained, "People assume that because you are autistic you can’t do things. Or the opposite- people assume that because I am academically advanced that I can do things that I actually find really challenging – like practical things such as crossing a road, cooking, cleaning, or even processing information."
Vicki identified harmful phrases like "everyone is a bit autistic" and labels such as "high functioning" or "low functioning" as particularly damaging. She emphasized that autism is a spectrum, and each person's experience is unique, stating, "These common misconceptions do not help the autistic community as it is now acknowledged that 'once you know one person with autism, you know that one person with autism' meaning that you cannot assume things about a person due to their diagnosis."
Autism as Both a Challenge and a Superpower
Vicki described autism as a dual aspect of her life—both disabling and empowering. She shared examples of how sensory overload, such as noise from traffic or wind, can make simple tasks like crossing a road overwhelming. Yet, she also views autism as her superpower, fueling creativity, problem-solving skills, and the determination needed for her PhD studies.
She concluded, "Autism is both disabling and a superpower. It is not one or the other. It is both. I really struggle with some aspects of life due to being autistic, but I wouldn’t be doing my PhD if I wasn’t autistic- as I wouldn’t have the patience and determination and special interest in it – giving me the hyperfocus I need to complete such a high level degree!"
This inspiring story highlights the importance of acceptance and understanding during World Autism Acceptance Month, showcasing how personal growth and support can turn challenges into strengths.
