As someone who is autistic, going to College rather than staying on at my school’s sixth form allowed me to meet a lot more new people and push myself out of my comfort zone. Travelling to College by train and experiencing a larger campus certainly eased my later transition into university. Having free periods also meant that I could choose to rest or do extra study depending on what I needed to do that day.

The College campus itself had a much better vibe than at school as everyone was older and more responsible. Reflecting on it, College was better for my sensory needs, with more quiet spaces and a nice outside space to relax.

After College, I studied anthropology as I was keen to learn more about people and society. Originally, I thought I’d work for a charity but during my studies I realised I wanted to help people in a practical way, one-to-one so I explored teaching and healthcare. Ultimately, my personal experience of the importance of supportive healthcare professionals when I had two life-changing hip surgeries focused my career path on healthcare.

Studying for my Master’s in Occupational Therapy was hard: the combination of academic study with work placements meant juggling lots of deadlines. Placements themselves were also a challenge as I witnessed a lot of ableism, often directed at me because I am neurodivergent.

In truth, there were days I considered quitting due to sheer exhaustion and a lack of support. But I pushed through and qualified as an occupational therapist. I’d had people telling me I couldn’t be a healthcare professional and be autistic so I’m proud to have proved them wrong and be where I am today: a healthcare professional with my own business at a young age. As disabled people, we have SO much to give and have so much value, especially in healthcare positions. So don’t let anyone’s unkind words, stereotyping or judgements stop you from going for your goal.

As a self-employed occupational therapist (OT), I support my clients with things like understanding their neurotype; fatigue management; workplace adjustment; reports; sensory explorations; and, of course, providing an understanding space for clients to vent and feel validated. I set up my private practice because of the huge need for support that neurodivergent adults have following diagnosis. By carving out my own role, I’ve been able to provide people like me with the kind of support I wish I’d been able to access. In the past year, I’ve become increasingly busy, supporting nearly 50 clients.

Of course, there are challenges being a self-employed, disabled OT – being unwell or needing time off can be tricky financially. As well as my clinical work with clients, I also need to keep on top of invoicing, accounting, writing emails, reports, scheduling, marketing, networking, professional development and more.

I work long hours to provide the best service possible and because my clients are often distressed, having been let down by health services, it can be emotionally tiring. But the real pay-off is when a client achieves their goal and makes progress towards happiness – it’s the best feeling in the world! Making connections with my fellow neurodivergents is always really lovely, and it’s great to feel you have a purpose through your job.

I’m now looking to start providing workshops and training for businesses and charities – I’m keen to take my support to as many people as possible and keep creating validating conversations and supportive spaces. As a self-employed person, I love being able to control my time, deciding when to take time off and what I do.

Back at College, I wish I had known that the path you choose to take doesn’t have to be certain – you don’t have to know exactly what you want to do with your life at that stage! During your next step, you’ll start to work out the path you want to go down, and it’s never really too late to change direction.

Alexandra Lawrence

Reigate College: 2015-2017

Higher Education: BA Anthropology, University Of Sussex and pre-reg MSc Occupational therapy, Sheffield Hallam University

Currently: Self-employed independent Occupational Therapist, Navigate Neurodiversity Occupational therapy