Going through a late autism diagnosis was life-changing, but it was far from a “ah yeah, sorted now” moment of clarity, far from it. Receiving the diagnosis as an adult has been one of the most challenging and transformative experiences of my life. It set me on a path I never expected, and became the spark that ignited my passion for change.

Before my diagnosis, I spent my life believing my mental health struggles stemmed mainly from trauma. Living through the exhausting, ongoing challenges of racism – and the emotional and mental weight of that – shaped so much of how I saw myself and experienced the world. The way I felt so different, the way I constantly battled to meet the invisible standards of a world that felt alien to me – I blamed it all on those experiences. For decades, I internalised that feeling of brokenness, never understanding why navigating the world felt like clawing uphill every single day.

When I was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in my early 20s (before I’d ever heard of it and the “bipolar boom” – what I call it), it was a scary time and the start of my two-decade-long journey in the mental health system. 

Just before my son was born, I knew I had to fix up if I was going to be any kind of decent father, and that’s when I began the long, drawn-out process of my autism assessment. I wasn’t sure what to expect; I just knew I needed something to fully explain the struggles I had fought with for years, in a system with no real growth.

Many people think it’s a quick journey, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. The reality was over 20 years of therapy, countless psychiatrists, psychologists, and a seemingly endless cycle of battling the system in a quest for understanding and a chance at some normality. None of it was a walk in the park – it was painful and lonely. When I finally heard the words confirming my autism diagnosis, I was emotionally exhausted and reduced to tears.

People don’t warn you about what comes next, the emotional work of coming to terms with a diagnosis late in life. Telling family, telling friends, trying to explain something that’s still raw and personal – all the while facing their lack of understanding. The mocking, sarcastic remarks: “Oh, are you not bipolar now? How do you know you are Autistic?” That kind of reaction only intensifies the isolation at a time when it’s support you need – and a little compassion and empathy.

All of these heartbreaking moments are constant reminders that no one is going to help you – how can they, if they don’t understand and still hold archaic, stigmatised views? What do you do?

As I slowly began to come to terms with my diagnosis, I saw how much this misunderstanding had shaped my life. After so many years of feeling broken, there was suddenly an answer. A huge piece of the puzzle had arrived and, with it, clarity unlike any before. Yes, I had endured racism, and that trauma was, and is, real and has left its mark; but alongside that was the lifelong journey of living with a neurodivergent condition, and not knowing a set of challenges I couldn’t comprehend. 

Despite the continued cycle of exhaustion and burnout, I have to keep going. I know I can’t give in now, not after everything I’ve gone through. After a lifetime of feeling like I didn’t belong, I decided to channel my energy into advocating, supporting, and driving real change for people like me.

A NEW MISSION

Whilst going through the assessment process and receiving my diagnosis, I really started focusing my attention on art. Creativity became my way to process everything I was feeling, my fears, struggles, hopes, frustrations, and to understand and accept myself better. Art gave me a voice even when I was speaking and no one was listening. It’s allowed me to build my sense of identity, piece by piece.

That’s where my mission started. I began using art not just to process my own challenges but as a tool to help others find hope and understanding. Which include:

• Raised thousands for different charities by donating my art each year

• Seen my work recognised – from Buckingham Palace to prestigious art exhibitions

• Become an Award-Winning Artist – Finalist for multiple Awards, which include this year’s Alan Turing Award (I Love Manchester) and the Butler Trust Award for my innovative, ground-breaking neurodivergent art focus programme in prison

• Collaborated with schools, organisations, and underserved communities to spotlight the voices of those often ignored

• A feature documentary – 3 years in the making, a documentary team has followed my journey. Understanding the impact of going through a late autism diagnosis and how I use art as a coping mechanism and life tool and my acheivements

• Supported advocacy work – as an ambassador for Anna Kennedy Online and Autistic FC

These achievements mean the world to me, not just because of the recognition, but because of what they represent: the power of creativity to implement understanding, the strength of community, and our potential to shift how society sees neurodivergent conditions and break down stigma.

THE CHANGE WE NEED

If there’s one thing my journey has taught me, it’s this: society desperately needs to scrap its idea of “normal.” Neurodivergent people have spent far too long being misunderstood, excluded, and forced to mask our true selves just to fit into systems that weren’t built for us.

We are all different. Diversity isn’t the problem; society’s outdated belief that “neurotypical” is the only acceptable baseline is. We need to get rid of these stigmas. The sooner we do, the sooner we can build a world where inclusivity is the default, not the exception.

That’s why I do what I do. That’s what drives me. Every project, every collaboration, every piece of art I create is another step forward in reshaping how society views its understanding of neurodivergent conditions. Everybody deserves to be themselves without fear of stigma or ignorance.

A POSITIVE FUTURE

Everything I’ve been doing has been leading to something bigger. At first, I didn’t have a clue; I was just trusting the journey, doing something positive until it revealed itself – trusting the process. Earlier this year, something clicked, that ‘epiphany’ moment, as they say. I feel like it was all leading to this.

I can’t say too much yet, but I’m working on something big, with serious backing. It’s something I know society is lacking – something that will bring together different sectors and services to truly break down the barriers and stigma around the neurodivergent topic. It’s a space where understanding replaces ignorance, where collaboration replaces isolation, and where neurodivergent individuals can thrive unapologetically – I can’t put into words how excited I am for this!

This next step is close to my heart, and I know it has the potential to make real change. Stay tuned, because this isn’t just about me and my journey; it’s about us as a society.

Thank you to everyone who has continued to support me and believed in me. This is only the beginning.

With love and determination.. Its more than just ART