On Our Mind

Posted on 2 Apr 2024

For Autism Acceptance Week, we’re sharing a story from Tom Hewitt who works at the Trust as a Clinical Applications Support Officer and Service Desk Anaylst. He was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome (now known as autism) at the age of 18 and talks about his struggles with social interactions and how he finds everyday conversations alien, to being in environments that make him feel panicky and uncomfortable. However, despite these challenges, he says he has never felt more supported and appreciated from colleagues at the Trust. Read Tom’s story…

“Asperger’s has, and continues to, affect me in various ways, both negatively and positively. From finding everyday conversations alien, to being in environments that make me feel both panicky and uncomfortable, it can often be a daily struggle to keep all of my anxieties in order.

“My own path towards being employed by the Trust has not been straightforward to say the least. As an individual who, aged 18, was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome by the Trust’s Neurodevelopment Specialist Service, I can appreciate the difficulty that people like me will encounter with the growing demands of everyday lives.

“However, despite the difficulties I face on a regular basis, I do find that Asperger’s has been a blessing in many aspects of my daily life, such as in work and in relationships, especially as I’ve grown older.

“Since my employment began with the Trust nearly two years ago, I can honestly say that I have felt supported and appreciated by all colleagues from day one, and in my positions as a Clinical Applications Support Officer and Service Desk Anaylst, colleauges have been supportive and welcoming. For the first time in many years, I feel comfortable and proud to say that I work for an organisation like the Nottinghamshire Healthcare, who support individuals like myself and give us the platform and tools to succeed in the areas that we work in.

“Although I may struggle with everyday tasks many of us would find normal and easy, such as cooking, following instructions, routine, and putting appliances together, I learn more about myself with each passing day, and I am proud of the person who I am today, as I keep aiming to improve on my flaws and become better than the person I was the day before.

“I look at my diagnosis and I view it as a blessing, because although it may hinder me in certain areas, it gifts me with abilities in other areas other people may not have. I see it as a part of me that makes me the person who I am today, and if I was offered the chance to not have my Asperger’s, I would immediately turn it down because I would be a completely different person without it.

“Every day, I wake up with the mindset that Asperger’s is a part of me whether I like it or not, and I accept both the positive attributes and flaws about myself.

“My belief is that Asperger’s individuals can become successful and live happy, prosperous lives, but it is ultimately up to the person with the right support around them to achieve that. Life is about doing what makes you feel content and happy, and it is up to you to go out there and make the best of it. Work hard, be compassionate, and most importantly be yourself. Be proud of who you are, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t succeed.

“My message to others on the spectrum is to be proud of who you are, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t succeed in life. Life is too short to live with regrets, and in my opinion, Autism/Asperger’s is a blessing, not a burden, so embrace being different and go out there and be you, because no matter what, you are more than enough.

“Visit the Trust’s Neurodevelopmental Special Service web page for more information on this service.”