About Me | Life Story | Widowed | Autism
Who Is Alan “AJ”?
A little bit more about me
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Last updated: 12 November 2024
Today
I’m a widowed parent who lives alone in Northern England with my two children.
(I’m also engaged — but that’s another story. We are presently living apart.)
I write on Medium as often as I can. I like sharing my life story with anyone who will listen. And maybe, just maybe, I might make enough money to get by.
My Wife and Children
I was in my twenties before I had my first relationship. But it was worth the wait — we were just right for each other.
My wife’s love and friendship made such a difference in my life. She was also my best friend.
In 2010, she was diagnosed with breast cancer, which was truly devastating.
She died three years later, at just 45 years old.
Life without her has been very hard.
I’m so glad we had children together, but it’s also heartbreaking that they lost their mum when they were just 7 and 8.
Work
After leaving college at the age of 18, I spent 26 years doing electronic design and software development.
(I’m part way through writing Weird Workplace Stories — a series about my first employer.)
When my wife’s health deteriorated in 2012, I quit my full-time job to look after her and our children.
After taking such a long break, I no longer feel able to return to that kind of high-pressure work.
Part of the reason is that I feel out of touch.
But it’s more than that: I’m not sure that I have the energy to go back — I feel burned out.
And I’m realising I want to do something totally different. Something that connects with people — such as writing.
Autism and ADHD
In 2017, a few years after losing my wife, I was assessed and told that I have an Autism Spectrum Condition. I was 48 years old at the time.
(I prefer to say I’m autistic, rather than saying that I have autism.)
A few years later, I self-diagnosed ADHD, and hope to get a formal diagnosis eventually.
I struggled through primary school, high school, college and work, without realising that things shouldn’t have been so difficult.
I knew I felt different, but I didn’t know why. (And I had no support.)
Find Out More
Many of my articles describe my life experiences.
- My Article Showcase
Includes my most-read articles, and my picks. - My Lists
An attempt to organise things by topic.
Thank You
I’m grateful for all the support and encouragement I receive from readers. It really means a lot to me. 😊
Where to Find Me
I love to connect with readers and writers!
All my latest links can be found on Linktree:
