I graduated from Leeds Trinity University in 2009 after completing a PGCE in History. Afterwards, I enjoyed a very successful career as a teacher of humanities subjects, a departmental and faculty leader and eventually as an Assistant Headteacher in charge of Catholic life.

It was in my thirties, however, that I realised I was autistic. The school where I was working at the time had opened its doors to a more diverse range of students, including autistic individuals. Throughout the resultant training, I kept thinking to myself ‘this is me; I’m autistic too’.

I was officially diagnosed in 2017. On a journey of self-awareness, there was no denial, but rather a firm belief in the many benefits of seeing things in a different way.

This prompted me to make a big career change so I could work in a more comfortable environment. I decided to leave the classroom, but not education altogether, and launch my own private tuition business. Launched in January 2024, Dr Humanities allows me to apply my 21 years’ experience and teach students aged 11-18 about History, Geography and Religious Studies in group settings or 1:1.

I am delighted that I am now more able than ever to use my unique blend of experience, wisdom, love and humour to have a significant positive impact on young people’s lives. Just a few months into my new venture, I am fully booked with clients from the UK and around the world.

I wanted to share my story to raise understanding of autism during Neurodiversity Celebration Week, taking place this year from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 March. I hope I can encourage other neurodivergent individuals to cast off masking and camouflaging, embrace their strengths, and aim to live a more authentic life.

Although, this can never be enough. Organisations and institutions also need fit-for-purpose systems in place to embrace the full range of neurodivergences so everyone can live and work as effectively as possible. We need to develop a culture which recognises from first principles that each individual has value and can bring that value into our world when the opportunity to do so is there.

Christopher Banham graduated from Leeds Trinity University with a PGCE History in 2009.