麻豆约拍

Katy Gough has autism, and she wants to debunk some myths surrounding the condition...

1. So girls can have autism too?
Yes! I never know if this is people questioning my gender, or my autism.

But either way, yes, I am female and yes, I have autism.

2. Why do you wear sunglasses all the time?
‘Cause I enjoy being a diva…

No. Actually, it’s because I suffer from light sensitivity which means that artificial or natural lights can be overwhelmingly bright. So I wear my sunnies indoors, outdoors, regardless of the weather… (But I do still enjoy being a diva!)

3. Are you ignoring me?
Not unless you’ve given me reason to!

Those on the autism spectrum can sometimes come across as if we are ignoring you. We often avoid eye contact, we sometimes wear headphones or ear defenders, and of course we have our trusted sunnies. But these are just ways to help our brain process the environment we’re in.

We don’t mean to come across as if we’re being rude or not making an effort. In fact, the lack of eye contact, the headphones and sunglasses can help us to remain calm and actually socialise within a situation. This is us actually making an effort to interact with the world, not to ignore it.

4. You can talk!
I can! Sometimes a Little. Too. Much.

There are people on the autism spectrum that find talking difficult. But others, like myself, have no limitations with talking. And yes, communication difficulties are a huge side of autism but communication doesn’t just mean talking. It involves facial expressions, body language and tone of voice.

I may be autistic but first and foremost I am Welsh, and I do love a good chinwag!