A CHARITY providing support for those affected by autism is raising awareness about the need for accurate diagnoses.

Autism Wessex, based in Dorset, has spoken out as part of World Autism Awareness Week.

The charity provides educational material, residential and respite care, social care services and advocacy and advice services.

Gillan Drew, aged 36, has Asperger Syndrome and has been supported by Autism Wessex for eight years. He was diagnosed aged 28.

He said: "As someone with Asperger Syndrome, I find going out incredibly stressful.

"Even if I’ve done something a thousand times, and know somewhere like the back of my hand, I am always anxious about what might happen, and if I’ll be able to cope with it, and how long before I can return to the safety of my home."

Aged 17 Gillan was diagnosed with clinical depression. Over the following years he was on and off various antidepressants, went from job to job and had several breakdowns.

He was alternately diagnosed with mild mood swings, mild depression, bipolar and borderline personality disorder.

After his parents read a book about it, he was finally referred to see if he had Asperger Syndrome.

Gillan was successfully diagnosed and this is when his life took a turn for the better.

Four months after his diagnosis, Gillan attended a drop-in session run by Autism Wessex.

It's here he met his wife-to-be Lizzie. The pair have been a couple for more than seven years and have a daughter together called Isabella.

Gillan said: "Diagnosis helped me hugely. I finally had a tangible reason for why I was different – it wasn’t simply that I was weak, weird or not cut out for life - all criticisms that had been levelled at me.

"It gave me better insight into my strengths and weaknesses, and using it as a framework to examine past catastrophes, I saw why they had happened and what mistakes I’d made, and why. It was liberating, actually – my self-esteem increased dramatically."

Karen Wilmshurst, advocacy services manager at Autism Wessex said diagnosis remains a critical milestone for people on the spectrum.

She said: "It helps individuals take control of their lives and can unlock access to essential support and services.

"Diagnosis is not only important for those who are on the spectrum, it can be just as important for their parents, friends and loved ones, enabling them to better understand their child, friend or partner.

"Tragically many thousands of people up and down the UK are waiting far too long for a diagnosis.

"For children, on average the current wait is now over three and a half years and many adults receive a diagnosis around five years after their concerns first emerge, and often two years after seeking professional help."

World Autism Awareness Week is taking place until Friday, April 8.

For more information, please visit autismwessex.org.uk

CONTACT ME:

t: 01305 830986

e: oscar.tollast

@dorsetecho.co.uk

twitter: @DorsetEchoOscar