Autism: Employment and the working world

By Tyler Ody - 1 December 2022

Opinion and Features
  • Tyler Ody, pictured on holiday in Cornwall

    Tyler Ody, pictured on holiday in Cornwall

Living with Autism - a column by The Autistic Journalist Tyler Ody. North Swindon resident Tyler Ody has been working for Swindon Link for the past three years. From the age of four Tyler has been diagnosed with Classic Autism. Here's his new monthly column.

Hey everybody - welcome to the eighth instalment of Living with Autism!

This month I am covering of a year of employment with Swindon Link Magazine, and my volunteering work for Swindon 105.5.

In October 2019, I started work experience with Swindon Link while I was finishing college. Then covid happened in 2020, and I had to carry on my work experience remotely.

In April 2021, I was able to return to the office and carry on working in the building as normal.

On the first day of work experience Jamie Hill (my boss) and I went to Queens Park to have a catch up. This was the day he told me about a job opportunity he had for me. I have to be honest, I thought he was joking but I was so happy and excited to work with Positive Media Group. I felt that I was achieving my dream.

I remember telling my family and my college class that day - and they were so proud of me.

Thursday 9 September 2021 was my first official day with Positive Media Group, and I remember feeling so excited. I remember working on my first article as an employee.

I mainly work for The Ocelot, and publish press releases - but also write my own reviews such as Tyler’s Top Of The Pops, or Tyler’s Top TV.

Earlier this year, I was given my own column called Living with Autism, which I enjoy writing up. I want to use this column to help others who have autism or those who are going through the process of being diagnosed too.

In December of 2021, I remember going on my works do at The Pick Up Point - which was my first ever work do and it was a laugh.

As well as working with Positive Media Group I volunteer for Swindon 105.5 which is run by Shirley Ludford. I have been working with them for six years this month. 

I volunteer there two days a week, and I help others who come to the station. I feel I can use what I have learnt over the six years to help others, and ease them in.

As well as doing that, alongside other volunteers, I have a radio show once a month on a Tuesday called The Spectrum, which has different subjects, features, music, and interviews.

I really enjoy going to Swindon 105.5 and have made some new friends. The staff are very supportive and are always on hand to help, and to have a good laugh with while working.

When I go to Swindon Link, I also have a very supportive system. I get on well with the staff. 

Jamie, my boss, always supports me as well as my colleagues Barrie, Jess and Karen. I also like it when Rosy from the sales team comes to visit the office, and we have the chance to have a good catch up.

Being employed and volunteering is great. I really enjoy going to the Swindon Link and Swindon 105.5 as it has been my dream for a long time - and a year down the line I am now pursuing my journalism and broadcasting career.

A special thank you goes to Jamie Hill, Karen Randall, Barrie Hudson, Jessica Durston, Rosy Presley, Shirley Ludford, and the rest of Swindon 105.5 team.

Tyler's previous column on Pop music can be found at https://swindonlink.com/news/tyler-column-seven/

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