Although a widespread condition, autism remains misunderstood and many sufferers have paid the price for their schoolmates, colleagues or even strangers’ ignorance.

Among them were Chloe Grubb and Damian Vaughn who struggled in the face of prejudice, intolerance and narrow-mindedness and through years of bullying and “torment.”

Now members of autism charity DASH’s socialising group, they have both grown to accept the disorder not only as an inextricable part of themselves but as a strength and creative outlet.

They are now reaching out to young people experiencing the same ordeal and showing there is a light at the end of the tunnel.

They tell their stories to MARION SAUVEBOIS

“I wasn’t just bullied, I was tormented.”

His uneasiness in most social situations and inability to blend in the crowd turned Damian Vaughan into an easy target.

“Back at school I was the square peg in the round hole,” said the 21-year-old from Lower Stratton.

“I never really fitted. It was a difficult time.

“It’s the fact that people don’t understand exactly what my problems were. They started bullying and tormenting me.”

Even his teachers, he says, failed to support him through a complicated time. Like his classmates, they knew very little about autism or how to adapt to it.

“Teachers didn’t understand it either and they took the bullies’ side. I dealt with it on my own.

“I only had one proper friend at school. He looked out for me if I had any problems, but I felt lonely.

“Because I have been in that position and I had no voice, I am trying to help others who are struggling now and need a confidence boost.

“I am looking to work for SANDS and mentor people without a voice.”

A curious child, Damian Vaughan never stopped asking questions about the world around him – too many it seemed for his age.

He was just eight years old when he was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, a condition which affects social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour.

“I went to the hospital for a check-up and my mum mentioned it and they did a few tests and found out I was on the autistic spectrum.

“I find it challenging to socialise with people in as much as I find it hard to keep eye contact or keep on a subject.

“And people lose interest. They don’t get it.

“I think they should try and put themselves in the shoes of people with autism and see what it is like from the other side. But they are scared.”

Joining DASH and being offered ongoing support has allowed Damian to embrace his personality quirks and most importantly gain some perspective on life.

“I’ve been coming to DASH for about two and half years and it’s built up my confidence and helped me make new friends.

“When I make a mistake, I now think ‘everybody makes mistakes and you learn from your mistakes’.

“Life is too short. DASH has helped me to get more perspective.

“I find it easier to socialise now but it’s still hard sometimes. I need more time to get to know people.

“The years of bullying were awful. But I don’t dwell on autism. It’s there for life so I should face it and crack on with life.”

To join DASH’s social group call organiser Ken Webb on 07964269409. Alternatively visit www.dashswindon.com.

LIKE many before her, Chloe Grubb’s Asperger’s was mistaken for shyness and reserve.

For years, the 22-year-old from Purton stumbled into every social pitfall. Any day-to-day exchange most people take for granted were near impossible for her to navigate.

Any sudden change in someone’s facial expression and she might wrongly interpret it as anger. She found solace in the confines of the school library where she was safe from making further faux-pas.

But her awkwardness and inability to respond to social cues were put down to her quiet nature and a previous diagnosis of OCD.

“I took a test at Swindon College when I was 18 and that’s when I found out,” said Chloe. “I did find it hard at school and I got bullied. I didn’t really make conversation with many people unless they asked me a question.

“I still misread facial expressions – I find it confusing, and I’m worried about offending people. Sometimes at home, I go up to my dad and I think he looks cross but he is not. Sometimes I misread people’s tone of voice and if somebody raises their voice, it’s like shouting to me.

“It takes me longer to process information and it’s like that with jokes. I take things literally so there are jokes I don’t get.”

Her brother Paul had already been diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome, and her parents were familiar with the condition. Or so they thought. His extroverted personality and more easily identifiable symptoms only served to hide the warning signs in his little sister.

“My brother Paul was obsessed with electricity pylons and used to look at the washing machine go round. He was about four when he was diagnosed.

“He was also more care-free about his Asperger’s; he wasn’t worried about saying the wrong thing or offending and upsetting people, like me. It was less obvious for me. I think people put it down to shyness. I remember going to a party when I was young and holding on to my mum for dear life.

“Everybody is different. Asperger’s isn’t the same for everyone.

“Being diagnosed helped me. I always thought I was weird and different – and then I knew why.”

Chloe completed an HND in photography in 2012 and went on to receive a bachelor’s degree at the University of West England in 2013. Her artistic bent could even have developed as a result of autism. “I don’t see it as terrible thing. It’s who I am. I think it might have helped with my creative side.

“Coming to DASH, I’ve found it easier to socialise with people on the autism spectrum. I find it hard to speak to people most of the time but I set myself some challenges and I work in a pharmacy and have to ask the customers questions and the routine helps me.

“But I hope it gets easier as I get older.”

What is autism?

  • Autism spectrum disorder is a condition that affects social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour. It includes Asperger syndrome and childhood autism.
  •  The main features of ASD typically start to develop in childhood, although the impact of these may not be apparent until there is a significant change in the person’s life, such as a change of school.
  •  In the UK, it’s estimated that about one in every 100 people has ASD.
  •  There is no ‘cure’ for ASD, but a wide range of treatments – including education and behaviour support – can help people with the condition.
  •  Signs and symptoms include: Problems with social interaction and communication, including problems understanding and being aware of other people’s emotions and feelings; it can also include delayed language development and an inability to start conversations or take part in them properly; restricted and repetitive patterns of thought, interests and physical behaviours – including making repetitive physical movements, such as hand tapping or twisting, and becoming upset if these set routines are disrupted.
  •  Autism features can often be recognised in children before the age of two or three years. However for many, the signs will often only become more noticeable as they get older.
  •  The exact cause of ASD is unknown, but it is thought that several complex genetic and environmental factors are involved. In some cases, an underlying condition may contribute to ASD.