Actor in bid to support others
ASTUDENT who was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome while she was studying for her GCSEs is now pursuing her musical theatre ambitions at university where she also helps others suffering from similar conditions.
Megan Callaghan, 19, from Healey, was preparing for her exams at Wardle Academy High School when she was told that she has Asperger’s syndrome, an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characterised by difficulties in social interaction and non-verbal communication.
She said that although it was a difficult period, the diagnosis explained many things: “It allowed me to understand why I always felt different, why I was sensitive to sound, heat and touch and why I found friendships difficult. I did not always understand jokes and sarcasm, and this could make life at high school tricky.”
Now studying at Edge Hill University in Ormskirk, Megan is using her own experiences to give advice to students who might be struggling with similar conditions in her role as a Student Guide.
“I have helped them to understand what services are available, providing them with support,” she said.
“There are a lot of people, like me, that did not get the diagnosis they needed to support them through early education and I would like to ensure they get the support they deserve.
“ASD in girls is not talked about enough.”
Megan is keen to focus on the positive aspects of Asperger’s syndrome: “It makes me conscientious and motivated, determined not to let people down.”
Because of this determination to achieve her ambitions despite her condition, Megan was selected for an Entrance Excellence award in 2018 and was granted £2,000 towards her studies.
A talented Irish dancer, she has twice appeared at the World Irish Dancing Championships.
Megan’s love for performance and continued musical theatre studies have also seen her appear in several amateur shows, including Les Misérables, as well as reaching the final six in an audition for a high-profile role in Hollyoaks.
“The role was for a girl with Asperger’s and I wanted to prove that I could bring my talents as an autistic actor to the screen.
“I was proud of my performance and believe that everything happens for a reason.
“If I’d got the role I would not have had the opportunity to attend Edge Hill and realise my true passion: musical theatre.”