Emily Katy: 'Finding out I was autistic saved my life'

The 22-year-old, who lives in St Albans, was diagnosed with autism aged 16 and her life suddenly started to make sense.

She began researching the condition to learn more about herself and decided to train as a mental health nurse.

Here, in her own words, she explains her mission to support neurodivergent children and help them understand themselves.

Emily's story

I can't remember exactly when I realised I was different. Perhaps it was aged six, when I was reading The Diary of Anne Frank whilst my peers were still learning to read. Or perhaps it was when I was eight and being picked on for not fitting in. Or perhaps when I realised other children didn't love learning the way that I did.

Despite knowing this, my early childhood years were filled with joy. My parents made sure I felt loved and I spent hours on end playing imaginative games with my siblings.