Hi. Name is Annabel

My name is Annabel or Bella for short. I’m 27 years old. My  diagnosis came when I was 21 years old following participation in the  DDD study in the UK.

My favourite  activity is using my iPad. I like it because I have control and can  watch the best bits of videos over and over again. As well as watching  children’s videos eg The Doodlebops on my iPad, I like games especially  any that are to do with words, letters and cookery. I also listen to  CDs. Usually the same bit of a song repeatedly.

I  have resided at a residential college for ASD and behavioural  difficulties for the past 8 years despite the course being intended for a  maximum of 3. I love lessons and am known as the keenest student at the  college. I am due to move into a lovely supported living flat near my  family this summer.

I love horse  riding, swimming, 3-wheeled cycling, arts & crafts and cooking. I  don’t like certain noises like babies, sneezes, coughs etc. I don’t  enjoy eating with others or being in close proximity to others for very  long. I like to know what’s happening next, or tomorrow and gain comfort  from knowing that even if there’s challenges for me, I will return to  my own bedroom and play iPad eventually.

Despite  being differently abled to most people, I am happy and am shown loads  of kindness and encouragement from the staff that support me 1:1 and 2:1  when outside and so my parents are able to enjoy their lives knowing  I’m well looked after and popular..