DEAR DEIDRE: I USED to be happy, talkative and popular but I changed once puberty kicked in.
I am a boy of 17 now but my parents noticed I was becoming withdrawn and took me to the doctor when I was 13. I was diagnosed with mild autism.
My parents told me to tell everyone at school but it just led to bullying.
I feel alone, no friends and zero confidence to mix with my peers.
I don’t get their sense of humour. I go to sixth-form college but I know no-one is going to want to meet me in the summer holidays.
I’m frightened of the future too. We have been told the key skills needed in the workplace and I have no chance.
DEIDRE SAYS: Your school could have handled this better and should be supporting you now and helping other students understand the extra challenges you have to cope with.
Contact the National Autistic Society for guidance which could help you build skills and confidence (autism.org.uk, 0808 800 4104).
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