So, I started a month ago but as its part time I’ve only actually done 4 days. My class is great & my lecturer is a fantastic person with years of experience.
Of course, that was only month 1. Things will look rosey to start with, won’t they?
For the first 2 days our 2 classes were together. I like to use the time when nobody knows anyone to listen & see what people’s views are on a broad range of subjects & of course, about autism. After this I decide whether to disclose it to anyone.
On the 3rd day we were split into our classes, there’s 11 in mine. We were further split into our skills practice groups. Someone in my skills group disclosed that they have ADHD which made me feel better about telling them about myself & when I did, it was received very well.
On the 4th day I ate lunch with a group from my class & the conversation turned to the traits of Autism. Someone said that they’d heard that “everyone is a little bit autistic” & I couldn’t help but put them straight. Don’t worry, I did it in a nice way 😉. I ended up disclosing my diagnosis to them as well.
It’s generally been received well but I’ve had some comments like that I hide it very well, they never would have guessed, I’m very normal still 🤔. I know some of them are completely new to Autism so I’m choosing not to be offended. I hope they’re taking things I say on board though. These people are future therapists who will end up seeing some autistic clients, I hope that by talking about it I’m making it better for both parties in the future.
The Autistic Counsellor 