'I thought I was broken' - Chris Packham opens up about 'considerable' significance of his autism diagnosis

Virgin Radio

2 Apr 2024, 09:26

Chris Packham has opened up about how getting an autism diagnosis in his 40s “considerably changed” his life for the better.

Speaking on Good Morning Britain on Tuesday, 2nd April to recognise World Autism Day, the Springwatch presenter explained how growing up undiagnosed caused him many problems.

“By the time I’d got to the beginning of my teens, and certainly into the early part of my 20s, my mental health issues were quite considerable,” the naturalist said. “I loathed myself, I thought that I was broken. Clearly, I was in a lesser cohort than most other people, so I blamed myself for everything that was going wrong.”

On the positive impact his Asperger’s Syndrome diagnosis had on his life, Packham shared: “I know a few people now that I knew when I was diagnosed, and they say that it’s quite considerably changed me, I’m much more confident to talk about my needs, my incapacities, and the things that I can do better.

“I will put myself forward if there’s something which I am enabled to do by the condition. And I will be far more frank and honest about the disabling aspects of it, from my point of view.” the presenter, who has fronted several docuseries exploring autism, neurodivergence and his own Asperger’s diagnosis, added.

Chris suggested growing up in the 60s and 70s meant autism and Asperger’s were not “widely known, certainly by my parents and teachers”, but he expressed concern about how even now when there is a lot more awareness, children and young people are still being let down by long waiting times for diagnoses and also by the lack of support which then follows.

“Young people can’t be in that position, if they’re going to work through education and find a fulfilling life, we need to put them on a firm foundation of confidence and support, and the diagnosis should be an access to that type of support,” Packham said.

He continued: “This week is World Autism Acceptance Week, and what we’re trying to do is say that we wanted to develop a society where all autistic people can prosper. And that will only come if society understands what autism is about. And that’s why we have these sorts of conversations…

“For young people at the most vulnerable and formative parts of their lives, the difference between a diagnosis age nine and a diagnosis at age 12, 13, 14 is significant, because in that interim period they will not be getting a fulfilled education, they will not be getting the social support that they need.”