The Faces Behind The Old Autistic Man

I wanted to create a post that introduced readers to my family, as I’ll be referring to them a lot in this blog. The Wife and The Boy have also agreed to guest write on some topics in the future and so here we are:

Firstly, me the Old Autistic Man (OAM) – My name is Matthew, Matt or oftentimes MATTHEW (that’s mainly by The Wife’). I’m 41, love to read and enjoy playing the bass guitar. I recently had to leave the teaching profession as a result of my struggles with Autism and I desperately needed something to do that I found interesting and was passionate about. Hence creating this blog. I’ve an amazingly supportive family and my son honestly never fails to impress me. I’m an avid Burnley Football Club fan and as a result have become accustomed to the feelings of fury, regret and bitter disappointment that comes with this, but, once a Claret always a Claret. My hyper fixation is, and always will be, reading but I’ve recently begun enjoying playing Fortnite with The Boy. I enjoy eating and am very privileged to have a wife who I describe as “an alchemist in the kitchen”. I have ups and downs in relation to my autism diagnosis and am hoping this blog will help raise awareness for others and also help me along my journey of self-discovery. I also enjoy writing and am excited to incorporate that into this blog. My closest family consists of: me, The Wife, The Boy, The Dog and The Cat. And over to…

The Wife – My name’s Leanne and have been with OAM for nearly 19yrs. I’ve recently been blessed with a diagnosis of ADHD and like OAM have my ups and downs with it. I was a mental health nurse for over 20yrs but left the profession over a year ago to pursue a less dangerous, less heart-breaking job. I’m told I am very creative, and I enjoy, cross-stitching, diamond painting, and building Legos for The Boy to absolutely destroy. I particularly enjoy having drawing competitions with The Boy who, like his dad is quite the artist. I have a very healthy and perfectly normal obsession with the 1980’s sitcom The Golden Girls staring the world’s most beloved and amazing legend, Betty White (as well as 3 other amazing actresses). I’m here to keep OAM on his toes and keep encouraging him to create as well as to try and provide some perspective on being an ADHD mum and wife in a very neuro-diverse family.

The Boy - My name’s Harry (sometimes known as ‘The Boy’). I’m 9yrs old and am autistic and I have ADHD as well. My mum asked me how this made me feel and I responded “nothing really. I just am”. I enjoy playing, existing and being random to the point were it becomes annoying. I like eating, especially McDonalds. I’m very tall, the height of a 15yr old! Sometimes, I struggle to think so don’t really have much more to say. Sorry.

Further information from OAM and The Wife: The Boy is an amazing kind and friendly kid who’s positivity and utterly confusing sense of humour shines through the darkest light. He is our beacon of hope. He enjoys playing Fortnite and FIFA and much to my (OAMs) heartbreak, is an avid supporter of a lesser-known football club called, Liverpool. He is the friend maker of the family, and we are always in awe at his ability to just make friends and connections wherever he finds himself. The Boy is the clumsy, chaotic centre of joy in the family. He has had some struggles in his life but always takes them head on and has never failed to overcome each one triumphantly.

The Dog – I think I (OAM) should write this bit as my dog isn’t computer literate just yet. The Dogs’ name is Biscuit. A chaotic black ball of fluff, a pomapoo who eats all the things and barks in fear at his own reflection. Loves other dogs and people and any living breathing thing really. Has ears that sometimes prop up like Gizmo from Gremlins. Overall, a very very good boy.

The Cat – was asked to write something but proceeded to scream at me and walk away. Cat’s name is Sephonee, she was called Persephone when we adopted her, but The Boy struggled to say that so, we just went with his version. Very popular in the local Facebook community groups and does a stand-out performance as an abandoned, malnourished feline. Enjoys annoying all members of the family and will only ever seek chin rubs at the most inconvenient times.

And that’s us. The people behind The Old Autistic Man. I hope you enjoy what we post here and as always, any questions or feedback just let us know via the ‘contact us’ page.