My name is Michael and I have been under the care of MAIN since 2021

I was diagnosed with autism in my 30s after a lifetime of being isolated, confused and constantly lost and overwhelmed I have found MAIN to be a critical resource on my ongoing journey to both understand and navigate how my autism presents and manifests itself. Without MAIN I would have no one to turn to with an understanding of autism and the awareness of how to help accommodate my needs.

MAIN has been more than just a point of contact. They have provided greatly needed advice and reassurance on many things. They have helped me to allow myself to be autistic after a lifetime of exhausting masking. They have given me a voice when I have not been able to speak for myself and are a constant source of support and care in a world I do not understand. They have helped prevent both me and my autistic sister Louise from being taken advantage of and being pushed into things that are not appropriate for us. Without them, we thought we had no choice and ended up exploited and distressed. They have helped me trying to manage negative behaviours and allow myself to explore being kind to myself and not be ashamed of what can give me comfort. I still find managing myself a huge struggle but MAINs support has reduced the amount of self harming incidents I endure. MAIN were vital in aiding me during an extremely stressful and upsetting PIP assessment. Without their support I do not know if I would have been awarded anything. MAIN have facilitated me accessing my GP several times, helping to get me access to needed medications and supplements. They have helped reconnect me with my doctors surgery and re-establish much needed physical monitoring for a long enduring eating disorder. Without them I had not been seen since the pandemic. MAIN were crucial in getting me access to the covid vaccine and planning a safe journey that would minimise my distress MAIN have spent a lot of time helping me to understand many things. I have had problems with understanding various bills and letters, knowing my rights, making important decisions and communicating them successfully, if at all.

I do not like to think of how I would begin to manage if MAIN were no longer accessible to me. They have provided the one thing I have never had in my entire life, respectful guidance, support and help with my autism, allowing me to slowly consider the notion that I am and can be a person of worth

I truly hope I have been able to convey how important MAIN have been as a service. Not just to me but to everyone they work with.

Thanking You