Gemma Dawkins
This is Gemma, one incredible young woman I got to meet in the middle of my struggle with autism and mental health. Gemma completed a Psychology degree at the University of Cardiff with a focus on autism after her degree had finished.
This amazing woman and runner athlete, has mentored young people with autism and is now living her best life in AUSTRALIA, starting a Kinesiologist course and advancing her skills as a Mind Body Practitioner; Listen to what she has to say about people with autism.
Gemma I will never be able to thank you enough for the things you have done in my life, and so many others. You really are a light in this world, andI can’t wait to see what you do as you carry on spreading kindness and love wherever you go.
What is your experience with Autistic people?
My experience with Autistic people has been AMAZING! I started working in the field of autism when I finished university. I supported young children diagnosed with autism in an autistic unit and then went on to provide 1 to 1 support to students and adults, as well as work for a number of charities and conduct research and continuing my professional development.
From your opinion what do you think their strengths are?
The strengths for every autistic individual I have worked with have been different. That’s what I love the most about autism is the individuality. Whilst they have some thinking styles and traits that are common, the uniqueness of them all is what I regard as the biggest strength of all. Being able to tap into this and support them in developing a positive sense of self is what I love the most.
What do you think their struggles are?
I think the biggest struggle is their mind and the power of their thinking as well as the environment. A lack of flexibility in thinking can be the most challenging especially in terms of having to adapt to an ever changing environment.
How do you think friends and family can support someone with these struggles?
I generally think that best practice for supporting autistic individuals is just best practice for all. Being able to accept a person for who they are and not trying to impose their way of being onto another being is key. I also think a strengths based approach is much more effective than a deficit focused or disorder view. Focusing on strengths and utilising these can really transform an autistic persons life. A life where the focus is just on what you can’t do and seen as disordered isn’t a life that anyone would essential thrive with.
What elements of society do you wish could be changed in regards to autism, which all humanity could benefit from?
More acceptance and compassion as a society. I very much promote the neurodiversity approach in that rather than labelling autism as a condition or disorder it’s a variation, a difference. An approach like this helps to eliminate an us vs them approach and also means that we can ensure that the environment can support every individuals specific needs. A world in which we didn’t have to diagnose and we were all accepted for who were are would be a dream world for me and autistic people I’m sure! I think ultimately when you start thinking differently about people who think differently it changes everything completely.
Do you think there are any overlaps with Autism and another diagnosis?
Yes that’s why I prefer the ‘Neurodiversity’ approach as it regards it as more of a continuum. For example ADHD and autism. I personally really struggle with the diagnostic criteria and labelling people. How a label and diagnosis is internalised can really vary depending on the person and the age of the person as well.
What would you say to an Autistic person who was struggling with life?
I would help them to come to a place of acceptance within themselves and help support them in coming to know their strengths as an individual and how to manage their weaknesses. I would probably say you are not alone and there is support out there that can benefit you.
What is the most interesting thing you learnt at uni about autism?
I didn’t learn anything at uni really about autism which was surprising. I went on to complete a postgraduate certificate in autism where I learn from the incredible Luke Beardon. That’s where I really fell in love as there are many different approaches to autism and I much favour the social model rather than a medical model and one of difference rather than disorder.
What has someone on the autistic spectrum taught you?
A very incredible human being has taught me so much about life. I was asked to support her when she first got her diagnosis and 6 years later I know I was put on this earth to meet her and her incredible family. She has taught me what strength, love and kindness really is. I generally don’t think I would be the person I am today if I hadn’t of met her. She is an incredible human being who really does struggle in a society that doesn’t necessarily fit with her way of thinking but she does the very best she can but underneath it all her heart is the biggest thing of all and her own uniqueness is what makes her so incredible.
Why do you think it’s important that we raise awareness on autism?
I think we need to raise awareness but we need to raise awareness of it very differently to how it is being raised most of the time. I think if we can think differently about people who think differently we can move away from the medical model and start to see the incredible strengths that autism brings!
What can everyone do today, to take baby steps towards this awareness?
Open your mind to people seeing, viewing and interacting the world differently from you! Accept that there is no ‘normal’ and when you get to know people for who they really are you see that Autism becomes something very different from what you originally perceived.
Sincere Self-Worth Clothing 