Paul Isaacs

Paul was branded as a “naughty child” at school.  He was classically autistic in his early years and gained functional speech around the age of 7 or 8 years old. He went through mainstream school with no additional help or recognition of his autism.  Consequently, he did not achieve his academic or his social potential and had very low self-esteem.

After a string of unsuccessful jobs, Paul’s mental health suffered.  He was referred to mental health services and misdiagnosed with “Asperger traits with a complex personality”, which did not satisfy Paul or his family.  Autism Oxford put him in touch with an experienced psychiatrist, who diagnosed him with High Functioning Autism at 24 years old.  Paul wanted to promote autism awareness and help others on the autism spectrum, in the hope that others would not have to suffer as he had.  He became a speaker for Autism Oxford and has not looked back!  Now also a member of our Training Team, Paul continues to raise the profile of autism at every opportunity.  Having done much research, he is keen to explain the differences between Asperger’s Syndrome and High Functioning Autism using Autism Consultant Donna William’s ‘Fruit Salad’ model.   

Paul firmly believes in retaining the ASD acronym.  He says there should not be a negative stigma around the word ‘disorder’.  His message is that Autism is a complex mix of ability and disability and every Autistic person should be a valued member of society.

What our audiences say about Paul:

• “Extremely helpful and interesting account of life - really good to hear personal experiences and advice”
• “Excellent - Wonderful open and honest - very good”
• “A good speaker, clear and honest”
• “Exceptional-Very interesting and comprehensive, well presented”
• “Very helpful explanation of how it feels to have AS and how to find help”
• “So helpful in giving us an understanding of AS”