by Anna Kennedy OBE || Columnist
My guest this week is on ‘All things Autism ‘ on Women’s Radio Station was Thomas Henley. He is 23 and was raised in the town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire. He is a Commonwealth Gold medalist in Taekwondo and a Biomedical Sciences student, graduating with an honors degree from the University of Manchester.
Thomas shares:
‘I was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome at the age of 10 and with a number of severe mental health conditions in my teenage years. Today, I am very active on YouTube, the podcasting website Anchor and travel to many places to teach people about autism. I’ve been a part of independent documentaries, done a few videos with the BBC, produced and presented my own documentary, and tried my hand at a couple of public speaking events.
My future aspiration is be a role model for people both on and off the autistic spectrum. I want to change policies around mainstream education of autism, increase the number of psychologists specialising in post-teen autism, and support measures that alleviate the aweful mental health statistics in the autistic community.
I’ve dedicated my life to doing things nobody expected me to be able to do. Combat sports, backpacking around South East Asia, speaking in front of 350+ people; I spend my life proving to others that I can go above and beyond their expectations. I want to inspire others with my achievements, despite my debilitating mental health conditions and despite all the traits that come with being autistic.
A little of bit of neurodiversity in all areas of life goes a long way. Autistic people try to fit in at all ages and adjust to life, but often find it too difficult to overcome the terrifying barriers. Being apart of small or wider society was perhaps the hardest thing I’ve ever done, and we need to make sure children and adults have the loving support and inclusivity that all humans desire.’
@Aspergersgrowth Twitter, Facebook, Instagram.
Thoughty Auti Podcast. Apple, Spotify.
If you missed Thomas’s interview it will be repeated each day this week at 1pm and 1am on www.womensradiostation.com
