'My autistic brain defined my haphazard career'

Until a chance conversation during lockdown, Neil Laurenson never thought he could be autistic.

The woman from a mental health helpline asked if he had considered the possibility, and "within a minute or two changed my life".

Mr Laurenson finally received a diagnosis in 2023 when he was in his 40s.

The Worcester city councillor is now creating YouTube videos to help others.

The channel, Autistic Not Alien, aims to shine a light on the traits of people on the autism spectrum as well as reassuring people they are not alone.

He said he felt "a sense of relief" when he was diagnosed, as it explained behaviours like struggling to maintain eye contact during a conversation and always lining up his toys as a child.

The 42-year-old Green councillor said of the conversation which led to his diagnosis: "I was extremely depressed. Within a minute or two minutes she changed my life, because she said 'have you ever considered you might be autistic'?"

Mr Laurenson was "baffled" nobody had picked it up before.

"I think I have missed a lot of opportunities, I've not gone for jobs because I've looked at job descriptions and treated it really literally."

He added that it had taken until now to realise that job ads were "just an outline, and you don't have to hit every specification.

"My autistic brain has completely defined my haphazard career, but on the other hand it has led me to other opportunities, so not all doom and gloom," he said.

The videos, which discuss topics including university life, dating, being a parent, work and family relationships, have gained a fan base across the world.

Mr Laurenson told BBC Hereford & Worcester the channel helped him to cope with the demands of life that others may not struggle with.

"I like being alone, but I don't like feeling alone. Just answering the door to accept a pizza, that's a big deal for me."

He added: "Neurotypical people just deal with these things in their stride, I don't.

"I wanted just one person to chance upon one of my videos and connect with it and maybe even realise that they may be autistic."

He said his was among many YouTube channels that helped people to feel less alone, but hopes he is able to allow them to feel "validated in their autistic selves".

• Information and support about autism is available via BBC Action Line.

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