When I began posting online I kept my cards close to my chest. I had spent my life giving my fullest effort, and felt like I failed. So I expected the same result, I felt that I needed to take on as much as I could. I didn’t want to make announcements until I knew exactly what was going to happen. I got too used to a life playing blackjack, while everyone else was playing poker. I kept my cards close to my chest, because I needed to know what game it was, before I played my hand.
I wanted my word to be my bond, that was important to me. So I had to know everything would work out as expected before posting about it.
One of the conversations I had last year, was with a member of the Gogglebox production team. I had pitched them an Au-thentic special (all autistic people for a one off show) and suggested that they consider including an autistic person on the show. I even said I’d consider getting involved if needed. I’m glad that didn’t happen actually, because I’m still getting used to being visible on video. It wasn’t that long ago I wouldn’t even go on video call to my own parents, when they called. My wife would always answer instead of me.
I didn’t hear back from them after that call, but recently, I did notice that Chris Packham is now one of the people involved with Celebrity Gogglebox.
I said that autistic people view the world in a different way, so an autistic person's viewpoint was really important to have. Honestly, I have no clue if that conversation had anything to do with Chris being involved in the show or not. I have wondered though, I must admit. However, it doesn’t really matter because it’s just the kind of inclusion I was looking for. It is fantastic to see, and although I enjoyed Gogglebox before, it means so much more now.
“I’m not a typical autistic person because there is no typical autistic person.”
Chris Packham
All our best and love
Ross Fraser and Jeni Dern
Words – Ross A Fraser
Graphic Design App – Canva
