AGXStarseed
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(Not written by me)
The TV naturalist says the condition has sometimes caused severe depression but he refuses to see it as a handicap
Chris says the condition helped drive him to success
BBC presenter Chris Packham’s frank admission that he has Asperger’s syndrome has been applauded by many others with autism.
Packham told at the weekend how his condition has – on occasion - led to depression so severe that he twice considered suicide after the death of a beloved pet dog.
But he has also stressed that he does not see the condition as a “handicap”, crediting it with being the force behind his successful career as a TV naturalist.
“It’s not a disability, it’s a difference,” he explained. “So that means we can consciously change that difference in order to make things work. I don’t find it a handicap. From being able to modify those traits I’ve turned it into something that’s very useful to me.”
Kevin Bailey added: “Anyone that speaks this eloquently about such a painful subject, can only help others who either are not as eloquent, or do not have the same opportunity, who also have Aspergers. Well done, and best wishes Chris.”
Chris with his partner Charlotte
In response to his revelations from forthcoming memoir Fingers in the Sparkle Jar, Peter Scholefield said: “I too have Asperger’s and I’ve been saying for years that I’m sure Chris Packham has it. Well done Chris for finally talking about it and bringing some more understanding of it to people.”
Tara Marchant agreed: “Love Chris Packham! Caring, decent bloke. And I also am an Aspie and I miss my late beloved dog so much. He was such a friend.”
Em Meey said: “I have Aspergers. My dogs are my world! Since getting them I’ve had the best three years, they bring so much joy and calm to my life.”
Marie Bee added: “Really glad Chris Packham is talking about this as it will help others.”
With his co-host Michaela Strachan
Francis Hooton, who also has Asperger’s, said he was inspired by Packham’s words because he has struggled to find work. He is currently doing an unpaid Phd at Glasgow university and said: “I have often watched Springwatch but it never occurred to me that Chris Packham has Asperger.”
Laurell Hamilton recognised Chris’s description of not being diagnosed until well into adulthood. “My sister and daughters are both Aspies,” she said. “It wasn’t until my daughter was diagnosed that my sister was too.”
Kaelan Rhywiol, who also has the condition, said: “I’ve often wondered how many artists, writers and other talented people are.”
After university Packham, 54, taught himself to look people in the eye rather than staring at the floor and also mastered the art of working with others rather than in isolation.
He says: “I work in an industry where I’m very pleased to have learned to work in a team, at least I hope so – I carry the tripod, I make the tea, I fetch the muffins.
“I do my very best to be a pleasure to work with. I consider that as the principle part of my professional abilities.”
He says that his some of autistic skills have proved enormously useful to his BBC career. “I have a profound retentive memory which means I never had to learn a script, I just read it and remember it. So there are attributes.”
SOURCE: http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/chris-packhams-admission-aspergers-applauded-7877157
The TV naturalist says the condition has sometimes caused severe depression but he refuses to see it as a handicap
Chris says the condition helped drive him to success
BBC presenter Chris Packham’s frank admission that he has Asperger’s syndrome has been applauded by many others with autism.
Packham told at the weekend how his condition has – on occasion - led to depression so severe that he twice considered suicide after the death of a beloved pet dog.
But he has also stressed that he does not see the condition as a “handicap”, crediting it with being the force behind his successful career as a TV naturalist.
“It’s not a disability, it’s a difference,” he explained. “So that means we can consciously change that difference in order to make things work. I don’t find it a handicap. From being able to modify those traits I’ve turned it into something that’s very useful to me.”
Kevin Bailey added: “Anyone that speaks this eloquently about such a painful subject, can only help others who either are not as eloquent, or do not have the same opportunity, who also have Aspergers. Well done, and best wishes Chris.”
Chris with his partner Charlotte
In response to his revelations from forthcoming memoir Fingers in the Sparkle Jar, Peter Scholefield said: “I too have Asperger’s and I’ve been saying for years that I’m sure Chris Packham has it. Well done Chris for finally talking about it and bringing some more understanding of it to people.”
Tara Marchant agreed: “Love Chris Packham! Caring, decent bloke. And I also am an Aspie and I miss my late beloved dog so much. He was such a friend.”
Em Meey said: “I have Aspergers. My dogs are my world! Since getting them I’ve had the best three years, they bring so much joy and calm to my life.”
Marie Bee added: “Really glad Chris Packham is talking about this as it will help others.”
With his co-host Michaela Strachan
Francis Hooton, who also has Asperger’s, said he was inspired by Packham’s words because he has struggled to find work. He is currently doing an unpaid Phd at Glasgow university and said: “I have often watched Springwatch but it never occurred to me that Chris Packham has Asperger.”
Laurell Hamilton recognised Chris’s description of not being diagnosed until well into adulthood. “My sister and daughters are both Aspies,” she said. “It wasn’t until my daughter was diagnosed that my sister was too.”
Kaelan Rhywiol, who also has the condition, said: “I’ve often wondered how many artists, writers and other talented people are.”
After university Packham, 54, taught himself to look people in the eye rather than staring at the floor and also mastered the art of working with others rather than in isolation.
He says: “I work in an industry where I’m very pleased to have learned to work in a team, at least I hope so – I carry the tripod, I make the tea, I fetch the muffins.
“I do my very best to be a pleasure to work with. I consider that as the principle part of my professional abilities.”
He says that his some of autistic skills have proved enormously useful to his BBC career. “I have a profound retentive memory which means I never had to learn a script, I just read it and remember it. So there are attributes.”
- Fingers in the Sparkle Jar by Chris Packham is available from May 5.
SOURCE: http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/chris-packhams-admission-aspergers-applauded-7877157
