 Asperges in Society is a Manchester-based documentary about the relationship between autism and mental health. Over the course of the filming process, I was introduced to a number of interesting autistic individuals and struck by the quality of these experiences and opinions, I decided to create a behind-the-scenes video series to showcase these marvellous people. This is one of them. Okay, so I've got 11 questions. The last one's not really a question, it's just asking about how it was for you. So yeah, do you want me to run for a bit of a question before I ask them? No, that's fine. I won't be with Norman just before I think I'll meet him on Wednesday. Yeah. Oh, nice. It's had a bit of practice. That's cool. A bit. Just putting some thoughts down my head. So, question one. How would you describe autism to those without it? I'd say it's a different way of... Sorry. Let's take this off. Yeah, let's take the sock off. Right, I'll ask it again. Sorry. How would you describe autism to someone without it? I'd say it's a different way of... Looking at the world in a different way of communicating with the world around you. So, some like routine. Others find social communication really difficult while some can be quite chatty. And I've been the main fingers that... Literal interpretation of anything that they're asked to do or that they're told. Cool. Very good. Next one. Question two. Do you like being autistic? It has its difficulties, obviously, but I think it's part of what makes me me and I won't change that. Question three. What traits of autism do you like and how have they benefited you? For me personally, it's a trait of focusing intently on one thing and it's certainly benefited me in terms of what I've chosen to do. I did history as an undergrad and I'm doing a master's in art and music and study, so that's been really beneficial. It must be... It's really hard at university, isn't it? I struggle a lot with it. Okay. Question four. So, this is just friendships, romantic relationships, anything that you want to talk about and to do with contact. Question four. What were your relationships like in the past? Well, the main one with family. I have a very close and supportive network with them and quite big family as well, so that's been really good and helpful for me. Friendships. I used to have sort of like a small group of friends at school, but in general I defined it hard to maintain friendships. So, I guess at the moment, I don't really have any friends in so much of the usual sense, so... And as I said, if you feel like you need to take a break or something, it's really good. It's like, it's really good to get some news very open about it, so I think everyone will appreciate you watching it back and stuff. Question five. Do you think your autism has contributed to any struggles in your life? Yeah, it affects quite a lot of different areas. For example, social interaction. And as I've mentioned previously, lack of a friendship group really, also finding work. That has been really difficult because I don't do that well in interviews, I've hired them quite hard. So, it's been difficult trying to find help with that. You don't do it pretty well. There's not many people who can come on and talk on camera, so you should be proud of that for a long time. I've seen that there are some people who just can't get any fanatics, who are just speaking so quickly, but they can't get anything out, so you're doing fine, it's good. Question six. How was school for you? Did being autistic impact your experience in any way? Yeah, I found school really difficult. I actually hate it, but I think most people probably hate it at some point. I think the most difficult thing was sort of being autistic, but not being aware of it at the time because I was only diagnosed at 19 to be all the school. I did not have any support at all, so that was really difficult. Can I warm in here? Yeah, it's boiling isn't it? I came in with three layers on and still roasting. Do the next one? Yeah. So question seven. Would you change anything about the way society deals with the problems the autistic have? Yeah, I feel it's a lot like mental health, but the problem because especially with those who are less severe, it's not noticeable really and people aren't aware. I've been making people more aware of traits and understand that just because someone doesn't look typically autistic or whatever it doesn't mean that they haven't got any issues at all and just have anyone else treat them as an individual and see what hurts for them. Very good. Question eight. If you could talk to your child self, what would you tell them? I'd say, persevere. It's not always easy, but eventually you will come to understand why you feel the way you do and you'll find your own little niche in the world. Question nine. What would you say to any autistics currently struggling in the school environment? The main thing is to make people aware of the diagnosis and aware of how it affects you and then make use of any resources that you can get because that will be extremely beneficial once people are aware they can help. Two more questions left, brilliant. Question ten. What do you think autistic people have to offer the world? I think I understand. I've been able to get to the heart of the problem and could be a BS that other people focus on and can't leave on from. We haven't had anyone on our students. Last question, just a little round up. Have you enjoyed this experience and what would you like to say to everyone that you haven't already said? Yeah, it's been good and it's helped me really think about what it actually means and so get a bit clearer in my head because it's still relatively new to me. I'm still trying to understand exactly what it is. Is there anything that you'd like to say to everyone? No, not just like a specific person. Then just see the individual, not the label. Perfect. Yeah, sounds good. Very good. Thank you very much. Brilliant.