A De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) student has launched a campaign to show that having Asperger’s syndrome should pose no barriers to living a full and happy life.
Jenny Brooks - who was diagnosed at the age of 13 - wants others with the condition to understand that they can still achieve great things.
She has teamed up with Fixers – the charity that gives young people a voice - to create a film to get her message across.
In the film Jenny talks about her own life, and explains some aspects of Asperger's, which is a form of autism.
She says: ‘I was always quiet as a youngster and often struggled in social situations.
‘When I was diagnosed, I didn't think that was me. Sometimes I’d meet others with the condition and think the doctors must have it wrong about me.
‘Then I slowly realised that this was part of my life and something I had to accept.
‘Many people think that Asperger’s syndrome is the same for everyone - it’s not. It can affect people in different ways, but doesn’t have to stop you from enjoying life.’
Asperger’s is a form of autism, a condition that affects social interaction, communication, interests and behaviour.
It is estimated that about 1 in every 100 people in the UK has autism. More boys are diagnosed with the condition than girls.
Jenny, who is in her second year at De Montfort University studying English Language and Creative Writing, hopes to show her film around the campus.
She says: ‘There is plenty of awareness about Asperger’s syndrome, but I feel that a lot of it is quite general.
‘I hope by sharing my own story will make people see it can vary massively from person to person.
‘But also, I want the film I’ve made with Fixers to inspire others with the condition to accept who they are and be proud.'
Fixers works with young people aged 16-25 across the UK by providing them with professional resources to help them campaign on issues they feel strongly about.
The charity has helped more than 19,000 youngsters across the UK to have a voice in their community on issues such as cyber-bullying, self-harm, suicide or transphobia.
Posted on Thursday 17 November 2016