My name is Caiden and I am a volunteer for National Autistic Society Scotland. I’m helping out with the Act Now for Autistic Rights campaign, and I’m going to tell you why I think that we should take autism diagnosis seriously. 

I was diagnosed with autism in November 2021. When I was 11 in 2018, my primary 6 teacher had suspicions that I had autism. I had structured routine, I covered my ears when a hand dryer went off, felt nervous with people, self-conscious of arms and poor mobility with my balance. It was the same for my mum who had assumed this due to me watching Thomas the Tank Engine or even eating the same meals over and over.

My primary 6 teacher referred me to Aranthrue Centre in Renfrew. There, I had my autism assessment. Then I was finally diagnosed with autism. However, despite having an answer to all the challenges I had faced over the years, the clinic bizarrely didn’t stay in touch regarding support for me or my mum. 

A few years after my diagnosis. Some teachers would notice some issues making it into my learning. Whilst some teachers knew via my ASN teacher telling some of them. However, not everyone knew.  That’s when I had to take some initiative and exhaustingly tell the teachers myself that I was autistic. Despite this, there were some upsides to having autism. I got extra time on exams, some people were quieter, work was simplified. 

But a way that I am happy to embrace my autism out and about is when I am with National Autistic Society Scotland, I was introduced via a group called ‘Post Diagnostic’. There, I met with the leader of the group, Angela, and other people who were also autistic. I just felt so comfortable talking with others that may be in a similar position as I am/was. I’ve made many friends and gained some respect for people and even found myself whilst being a part of these groups. I then felt like I wanted to give back to this charity and I felt I was ready to volunteer with them, so I did. 

Thanks to role model Joanne from my old Empower Up group. Who helped me do so much stuff I never thought I’d be able to do, from praising me for getting a bus from my house to Glasgow to helping out at a Christmas party. 
Despite all of the positives I have to say about autism. I think that waiting times for a diagnosis should be shorter. Because some people are waiting for an assessment for years. They might be taken the wrong way and think that they have a mental health condition and that can be quite the problem. I think we should start improving this now. Before it’s too late!