For those who prefer to listen, not read – we have used an AI voice to read Andy’s story here:
Hi, my name is Alessandra, I’m a consultant for auticon Italy (I work in accessibility and other projects) and an artist.
When I was a kid, there was very little knowledge about autism on a higher functioning level, so I was not diagnosed until I was 25 in an informal way and then at 29 officially.
I suppose it helped that I have Always been good at studying; most of my difficulties show up when I’m required to interact with people. I never -technically- had problems in school and I could complete both my bachelor’s and my master’s degrees in art within the time required, but I was labelled by my schoolmates and teachers as “a-social” and “weird” because I struggled relating to or even understanding them.
In university the situation got better, even if I did not have many friends (actually just really the one that later became my husband), because I was studying what I loved and I learned how to draw, paint and I later specialized in printmaking.
Getting into the job market, though, really made me realize that something wasn’t right.
I had discarded almost immediately the possibility of doing painting full-time because I really struggle when I’m not on a tight schedule, so I opted to study concept art and graphic design, I built a portfolio (actually more than one) and started sending my resumé to various companies.
I had many, many interviews, but could never pass the first meeting. It seemed as if I could not get to the point of being able to test my skills because the “vibe” was off at the first interview.
Before auticon I got hired twice, once as a graphic designer but did not last in that company for more than three months, then for a fine arts shop where things got even worse.
So now, auticon. I was very insecure getting in because I did not have much experience in tech, but I knew that if there’s one thing that I can do is just to study things -anything-, and I’m just happy for the chance to learn more. I love that I know what I will do every day, what my tasks will be, which makes me stable and creative in the evening and at the weekend when I draw and paint.
And, honestly, I really like the job, my colleagues and what I do, which is a massive plus and makes my everyday life a happy one!
