Lack of understanding of hidden disabilities in Chippenham

Paul Treacy has recently opened up about the challenges that come with suffering from a hidden disability.

A lack of understanding of special needs in the area has made him consider leaving 'loads of times.'

In a heartfelt video he posted to his Twitter page on New Year’s Day, he admitted: “A lot of my life has not gone to plan, not through my own fault but because of societal attitudes, unfairness and watching less deserving people get ahead in life.

“There are people on the same level as me but are doing so much better with happy marriages and better careers. I’m 45 and I’ve just had to stop and watch it all happen.”

He has written a book: ‘Challenging institutional unfairness and encouraging the faith’ which is set to be re-released in an attempt to shine a light on what life is like for people on the autistic spectrum, and how having faith has helped to guide him through.

It has already been sold in Japan, Australia and Russia.

Paul Treacey was born and raised in Chippenham, but it's been a struggle

He told the Gazette: “I felt like the odds were stacked against us in all walks of life.

“I also wanted to express what it’s like with the church in this country. People don’t know how to interact with you, and there needs to be better understanding from that community. They don’t know how to handle certain types of situations and it can be very awkward.”

Paul is determined to break down the barriers that restrict people with autism from making the most of social situations, and finds most interactions draining due to there being a lack of awareness for his condition.

He explained: “We’re more ritualistic in our way of thinking, and the way we do things. A lot of people just don’t understand it. We approach things differently, and it may come across as rude. We struggle with the eye contact, and people think: ‘what’s the matter with him’?”

“When I was a child and my behaviour was considered naughty, no one wanted to look at the crux of the matter, and I had no idea.”

Paul Treacey says having a hidden disability is very isolating

Paul was not diagnosed with autism until he was 33-years-old, just after his son was told that he had the condition. As such he has lived most of his life so far without the support he ideally needed.

Born and raised in Chippenham, Paul also feels that the understanding around people with hidden disabilities in the area could be improved.

He noted: “Urban areas are more cosmopolitan, and are more understanding. But here in Chippenham it can be hard to succeed.

“I’ve wanted to leave loads of times… I’ve thought before if I was born and bred in London maybe I would have had more opportunities.”

“I hope the book can help people all over the world. It’s already had a five star rating on the official page, and people who have read the first one have said it was really good. So what I’ve added to it now might help to make all the difference.”