A very late diagnosis

At the age of 65, I was diagnosed with being on the Autism Spectrum from birth. A bit late, to find out, you might think. However, it was a relief.

I need routine and I have specific interests. This is why I wrote a book about my life story, to explain why I struggled to grow up, being clumsy, not fitting in anywhere and making many simple mistakes.

The struggle to grow up

I found it very difficult to concentrate at school. I was often in trouble for doing nothing. I thought windows were to look out of, as I day dreamed.

At mock G.C.E. O level time my mother was in hospital. I took all the subjects and failed in all except Maths. I could never concentrate to read very much. It was a relief to pass Maths. I was allowed to only take 3 subjects in the real exams. I failed English three times.

Work and more struggle

Due to my Maths being ok I started work as a Time and Wages Clerk at a large steel company for £3.50 a week, on my 16^th birthday in 1963. In the 1960s & 70s it was easy to drift from job to job. With my poor social skills it suited me. Looking back, I got jobs that I wasn’t capable of doing. It’s amazing how many jobs I had that involved figures which were suitable for my limited skills.

After 50 years of work, involving 19 jobs in 26 years and a job lasting 24 years, I was given the opportunity to have a job I was most suited to. As an Audit Clerk I was responsible for checking stock both physically and on a computer system. A lot of figure work and routine meant that the job was totally suitable for the condition that I didn’t know I had.

Background noise and sudden loud noises have always affected my ability to concentrate. I was aware of this at an early age and the disability still exists.  I had asked for Rock Radio not to be played in the warehouse, a few years before my diagnosis, because it affected concentration. I became Mr Unpopular to many colleagues in the warehouse, some refusing to speak to me. I was already over 18 months past age 65 retiring age, so I retired 2 months short of age 67, to escape and avoid any more conflict.

Retirement is difficult

The story so far hopefully explains why retirement is difficult, on a low private pension. Many low-paid jobs with no pension contributions.

However, I used to say life was a struggle but after diagnosis for a lifelong condition with no medical cure, I began to realise that my life became a positive challenge with the struggle so I enjoy using the low income looking for bargains and trying to make the best of everything possible, despite whatever.