Hello, I’m Andi, from Germany, and I’ve only been diagnosed for 9 years, despite my age of 53.
The first 35 years of my life went pretty well. I had turned my hobby into a career, working as a motorcycle and bicycle mechanic. I was certainly a bit “peculiar” but the job went fine, and I regularly received praise for my work.
The trouble began after I acquired a degree in mechanical engineering through night classes. With that education, a firm hired me as one employee of many, which had unintended consequences. The issue was communication at work. This was overwhelming to me, and I spiralled downward socially.
Next came the search for the cause, and a diagnosis of autism.
I wish that people would focus on my strengths, but also understand my weaknesses (i.e., what I can’t do), because society could learn so much. Autistic people could make a better world together with the neurotypicals, both in social settings and, especially, in the workplace.
I would like to be a part of improving the conditions for everyone.
In my free time, I organize inclusive motorcycle trips: https://www.ballerrosso.de/
