"I believe my disability is my strength, and it makes me a better journalist," says Lydia Wilkins, a freelance journalist. "[My mentor] Harold Evans told me there is no shame in being obsessional as that is an asset, and that means you can get to the bottom of things."
Wilkins is autistic. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental condition that is often misunderstood and stigmatised. Common autistic traits are increased sensory sensitivities, social and communication difficulties, highly focused interests or hobbies, difficulty managing change, and repetitive behaviours.
More and more people are getting diagnosed with autism, especially girls and women. A 2021 University of Exeter study found that the number of people with a diagnosis had jumped more than 20-fold between 1998 and 2018, particularly adult diagnoses, mostly because it is better understood.
Read more at: https://www.journalism.co.uk/news/why-autistic-people-can-be-great-journalists/s2/a905797/