Autism Spotlight - Lydia Wilkins

Each week we will chat to someone interesting and talk about autism.

This week we caught up with Lydia Wilkins, freelance journalist and founder of her blog mademoisellewomen.com. Lydia also has a weekly newsletter where she interviews people with autism and disabilities, as well as useful resources.

Lydia, how old were you when you were diagnosed?

I was fifteen, two months shy of turning sixteen. There had been many, many delays, which is why I was the age I was at the time.

How did your diagnosis come about?

This is quite tricky to answer, as there is not exactly a definitive answer. Throughout my childhood, I had been given tests, seen experts - and this included tests for things such as hypermobility. (I do not have this as a diagnosis, and it was not a pleasant experience.) At primary school, I was given help; my teachers could not read my handwriting! I walked up to the board, memorised letters, wrote it, and repeated it. I was eventually given glasses. But I remember feeling like I was different, out of place - such as being left out, not fitting in, having seemingly odd interests. By the time I got to secondary school, 'it' became more obvious - such as in how clumsy I was. I was laughed at in PE - because my classmates thought it the end of the world when I inevitably messed up - and was even tripped up, meaning I fell off, on the bus home. I remember making a list of tricky things, showing my GP. I then moved areas, and the process started again! Eventually, after more tests - think speech therapy, that sort of thing. Eventually, I forget how the label of Autism was found, I got an assessment.... and yes, I'm Autistic!

How long did you wait for your diagnosis?

From the point of referral from the GP in the area I live in now, around three and a half years. Gender stereotypes - "you can't be Autistic because you're female!" - as well as cuts to services where I live played a part in this.

I am a freelance journalist. I also run my blog, mademoisellewomen.com, as well as my weekly newsletter. I also work as a trainer for an organisation that teaches about Autism. But I'd love to be an investigative journalist, one day.

How do you find your autism helps with your job?

My diagnosis - I use ASD or Aspergers, as both terms are on my report - help me in a variety of ways. Rather than wish for something not possible - to not be Autistic - I consciously chose to embrace my diagnosis. It's a part of me, and nothing's gonna change that! I have always viewed it more of an asset. My brain loves information - and I feel like I have to stuff it with factual information. All. The. Time. I am curious, and even won a joke award, once, for asking the most questions. I've also been told that I'm "good with people", due to the interviews and range of contacts in my contact book. I am also organised, which is helpful when you work sometimes months in advance. Prior to the current situation, I also travelled a lot - helped by my organisational strength. Oh, and I'm also "obsessional". When I interviewed him, Harold Evans said you need that. Autism is not a superpower, in my view - but I do have some assets because of my Aspergers.

What are the positives of being autistic?

To paraphrase Greta Thunberg, you think outside the box. Societally, we seem to have this odd idea of one brain fits all - enough so we teach only using one method of learning in classrooms, we have the exact same exams, and sometimes we make fun of those who are "different", "special". (Ugh! I hate that word.) Life would be boring if we were all the same.

Are you proud to be autistic?

Of course!

What do you do to unwind?

At heart, I am a bookworm - and have been since I was very tiny. I love books. You can find me reading to unwind. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox, and The Horse is comforting at this current time. I also quite like biographies - My Paperchase is a favourite of mine. I also have what is probably called 'sensory aides'. I like to unwind, especially after a bad day, with my weighted blanket. I also have a specific playlist called 'Sleep' and I've also started knitting.

Do you have any passions?

'Passions' is a tricky question to answer. I am passionate about the freedom to report, and to do so without obstruction - think government interference, think of the arrests and death of journalists, all for doing their job. Hearing Alan Rusbridger talk about this when I interviewed him was illuminating. I am also passionate about accessibility. I have experienced problems throughout education, employment - be it teachers who were ignorant, or adaptations not being made, or being fired by an ableist employer. But I am just as competent as anyone else. What extra hoop is there for me to jump, that I seemingly cannot see? There's always something - not newsworthy enough, when I have a lot of work experience at different newspapers. Barriers to employment need to be changed, or at least broken down. The employment ofAutistics, statistically, is shocking. But if you mean passions as in past times, I'm a keen gardener. I also really like travelling. Interviews are a favourite thing, too.

What three words would you use to describe you?

Curious, organised, punctual.

What is your favourite book?

That's like asking me to choose a favourite child! For its influence on my life, The Diary Of Anne Frank; for leading me to do an NCTJ qualification, Journalism by Anna McKane; for teaching me to be cynical and curious, Untold: The Daniel Morgan Murder by Peter Jukes and Alastair Morgan. I also loved M In The Middle, Ariel by Sylvia Plath, My Paperchase, Hack Attack, and many more.

What’s your favourite film?

Highlander. I love the story line, and *coughs* the vintage feel. And the Queen music is so good!

And your favourite TV show?

Lucifer on Netflix. I can't wait for the last series! I also like The Bold Type. I was so upset when it was no longer being shown in the UK.

What’s your favourite motto?

Hmmmm.... My journalistic hero signed my copy of his book to say never give up. But as a motto, that to me is not necessarily helpful. I quite like "if you don't ask, you don't get" - so, ask for that interview, pitch that idea, approach that person while networking, speak up for your needs and the adjustments you require. Idealistic, I know, but it has got me to where I am today.