I’m autistic and I LOVE thewayIam
Mum Marion refocused her life for better after diagnosis at 39, writes
MARION McLaughlin always knew she was different and had spent her life trying to hide her quirks and explain away her awkwardness in social situations.
Then three years ago, aged 39, she was diagnosed with autism, by which time she was married with a child and had navigated university and several successful careers.
The diagnosis came as a welcome relief and confirmed what Marion, from Aberdeen, had always suspected.
Since receiving a validation of her differences, the mum of one has thrown herself into helping others through her work with the autistic-led charity Triple A’s.
Marion, 42, is also the face of the Scottish Government’s Different Minds. One Scotland campaign, which launches today and aims to dispel the myths around autism and give nonautistic people an understanding of their autistic peers.
The former primary school teacher said: “I’ve always known I was different and I’ve always loved that I am. It wasn’t until I turned 39 that it dawned on me I was probably autistic and sought a diagnosis.
“Being told I was autistic felt like validation and explained why I found making idle conversation difficult, why my clothes felt scratchy, why make-up felt uncomfortable and why a trip to the supermarket exhausted me.
“It explained why I very rarely look at people when I talk to them, why my sentence structure is a little bit odd at times and why, if I shake someone’s hand, I might still be feeling that handshake about two hours after the handshake is finished.
“It was wonderful to know I wasn’t alone and there was no longer any need to hide my quirks or feel I was weird for wanting to run and jump in a big pile of crunchy leaves.
“The diagnosis a l l owed me to reframe the narrative around my life and organise myself in a way that supports my own needs.
“This in turn allows me to be a better mum, wife, colleague and friend.” Marion, whose eight-year-old son is also autistic, added: “Once I was diagnosed, I decided I wanted to do everything I could to help others in the autistic community.
“I run Triple A’s One Stop Shop in Aberdeen, which offers a signposting and support service for autists, families and friends, and anyone interested in autism, and I organise the city’s annual Autistic Pride event.
“I love my community and hope the work I do now will benefit my son in the future. I am also delighted to be involved in the Government’s campaign.
“It is truly groundbreaking as it is the first to celebrate autism rather than focus on the negatives. It highlights that differences are beautiful.”
Marion said she would never want to change who she is.
She added: “I don’t think it is better to be autistic than non-autistic but there are a few things that I love about being autistic – who doesn’t want to feel that joyful? “Some people say, ‘Oh I think I might be a little bit autist ic, because my CDs are in alphabe t i c a l order’. No, that does not make you autistic. Having a brain that’s built in a fundamentally different way, makes you
Heather Greenaway autistic. My biggest hope is that non-autistic people will see us for who we are. When we embrace diversity of all kinds, the world becomes a better place and if you make somewhere appropriate for autistic people, chances are you are making it more appropriate for everybody.”
She added: “The better we are supported the better we can support ourselves, the better we can advocate for ourselves, the more opportunities we have and this is what Different Minds. One Scotland is all about.
“Most people are aware of what autism is but we now need to raise understanding. When you think about autism you probably think of a small child and never think of an autistic person being a middle-aged woman like me. There are still myths that need busting and I’m ready and willing to do it one myth at a time.”
Visit www.differentminds.scot for details.