0:00:02 > 0:00:05Could I sum up my employment history so far? Yes.
0:00:05 > 0:00:09- I have literally never worked before in my life.- Ever?- Ever.
0:00:09 > 0:00:13This programme contains strong language.
0:00:13 > 0:00:16- How many jobs have you applied for? - Hundreds of jobs.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20- What was your last job? - Hey! Hey! Stripper.
0:00:21 > 0:00:24This interview is not going well.
0:00:24 > 0:00:28Employers always say they want candidates who think differently.
0:00:28 > 0:00:31But how much do they really mean it?
0:00:31 > 0:00:33- HE MOANS - How important is it you find work?
0:00:33 > 0:00:36- HE SQUEALS - I want to lead a normal life like everybody else does.
0:00:36 > 0:00:40Meet the extraordinary job-seekers...
0:00:40 > 0:00:41Meow chicken.
0:00:41 > 0:00:44..whose brains are wired differently.
0:00:44 > 0:00:48- What do you think are your biggest weaknesses?- I shave my pubes.
0:00:48 > 0:00:51- Whoops! - SHE LAUGHS
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- That shouldn't be a problem in this job.- Good, thank you.
0:00:55 > 0:00:59In a world where the workplace is set up for the norm,
0:00:59 > 0:01:03it's been impossible for them to succeed at work.
0:01:03 > 0:01:04Until now.
0:01:04 > 0:01:08Businesses are starting to realise that neuro-diverse conditions
0:01:08 > 0:01:11like autism and Tourette's can bring creativity,
0:01:11 > 0:01:14innovation and real brilliance into the workplace.
0:01:14 > 0:01:16With the help of leading scientists,
0:01:16 > 0:01:19they'll uncover their unique abilities...
0:01:19 > 0:01:21The numbers just kept coming in the right order.
0:01:21 > 0:01:24Tick, tick, tick, how is she even doing that?
0:01:24 > 0:01:26Wow, I didn't see that coming.
0:01:26 > 0:01:28Goodness me, that is so impressive.
0:01:28 > 0:01:31..and battle to overcome their challenges...
0:01:31 > 0:01:33This, I can't... I don't know how to control this.
0:01:33 > 0:01:36I'm hating this, this is so awkward.
0:01:36 > 0:01:38Hey! Hey, hey, hey!
0:01:38 > 0:01:40..to prove to employers how their difference...
0:01:40 > 0:01:43Trust in thine armour to succeed.
0:01:43 > 0:01:45..could actually be a strength.
0:01:45 > 0:01:46Do you think you'd fit in here?
0:01:46 > 0:01:48And when the job match is right...
0:01:48 > 0:01:52- Sold for £24 to the little gentleman over there.- Perfect.
0:01:52 > 0:01:55..it could change their life forever.
0:01:55 > 0:01:58So what would it mean to finally get the right job?
0:01:58 > 0:02:01- HE SQUEALS - It would mean the world.
0:02:07 > 0:02:08- Hey! - HE WHISTLES
0:02:08 > 0:02:10Famous. Do you know Jon Bon Jovi?
0:02:10 > 0:02:12HE WHISTLES, KNOCKS
0:02:12 > 0:02:15HE CLEARS HIS THROAT, CLICKS
0:02:15 > 0:02:16And tonight, Matthew...
0:02:16 > 0:02:19- Hey! - HE WHISTLES AND CLEARS HIS THROAT
0:02:19 > 0:02:21- Hey! - HE BLOWS RASPBERRY
0:02:24 > 0:02:27- One, two, three, you're in the room. - HE WHISTLES
0:02:32 > 0:02:37Huh! I'm Paul Stephenson, I'm 52 years old. And I want...
0:02:37 > 0:02:39HE CLICKS
0:02:39 > 0:02:40..a job.
0:02:40 > 0:02:43HE MOANS AND WHISTLES
0:02:43 > 0:02:44Why do you want to work?
0:02:44 > 0:02:48That's what we're put on Earth to do, to work, to love our family.
0:02:48 > 0:02:51And then grow old and die. Bo-boom-boom, tss.
0:02:52 > 0:02:56Do you know my mum, she's really good at sex. Good.
0:02:59 > 0:03:02Anyway, have I got the job? Hey!
0:03:06 > 0:03:12Hey! Caz, I broke the kettle, I just ticced right hard and snapped it.
0:03:12 > 0:03:15Paul lives in a small village in rural Northumberland
0:03:15 > 0:03:18with his kids and his wife, Carol.
0:03:18 > 0:03:19Oh, Paul!
0:03:19 > 0:03:22His mum and dad live just two doors down.
0:03:22 > 0:03:24Homosexual man alert!
0:03:26 > 0:03:28No, baby Jesus was born in a porthole.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31- Right. - CHILDREN LAUGH
0:03:31 > 0:03:33HE BLOWS RASPBERRY
0:03:35 > 0:03:36"Factory worker.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40"The ideal candidate will be nimble-fingered,
0:03:40 > 0:03:44- "with good attention to detail." - Yeah, looks good. Looks boring!
0:03:44 > 0:03:46Paul worked all his life
0:03:46 > 0:03:49until he developed full-blown Tourette's six years ago.
0:03:49 > 0:03:52Since then, no-one has been willing to give him a job.
0:03:52 > 0:03:55- Security officers.- I've got a gun.
0:03:55 > 0:03:57Both male and female candidates wanted.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00Who's going to employ a guy who shouts "bomb" or...
0:04:00 > 0:04:03- BLOWS RASPBERRY - Hey! Mujaheddin!
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- BLOWS RASPBERRY - Mujaheddin.
0:04:08 > 0:04:11- Give us a job! Sorry. - Library assistant.
0:04:11 > 0:04:15- Silence!- "To provide face-to-face service to our customers."- Ssh.
0:04:15 > 0:04:16Ssh!
0:04:16 > 0:04:18Funeral director, trainee.
0:04:18 > 0:04:21- Assisting with general housekeeping duties.- Shagging the dead.
0:04:21 > 0:04:25- Maintaining...- Dead! - That's not going to work.
0:04:25 > 0:04:27HE WHISTLES
0:04:27 > 0:04:29Bobby Robson, I'm his love child.
0:04:29 > 0:04:34'In an ideal world, I'd love him to go back to work.'
0:04:34 > 0:04:36For the family and for himself.
0:04:36 > 0:04:38Mental health learning disabilities.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41Oh, I'd do that one well. Hey! Testing!
0:04:41 > 0:04:45- Hey!- It gets him down.
0:04:45 > 0:04:47I'm still hoping that there's something, you know.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51Means a lot for his own self-esteem.
0:04:51 > 0:04:53We'll just have to see, really.
0:04:53 > 0:04:56Thing is, I don't feel... Ha!
0:04:56 > 0:05:00I don't feel capable, and when you've not got that confidence,
0:05:00 > 0:05:03you put yourself at the back of the queue. Hey!
0:05:03 > 0:05:06- I murder cats and kittens. Jesus. - HE CLICKS AND WHISTLES
0:05:06 > 0:05:09Hey! I don't want to work.
0:05:09 > 0:05:11I do want to work. A tic.
0:05:13 > 0:05:15Do you know I've got piles as well?
0:05:19 > 0:05:21Don't go near the bonfire.
0:05:21 > 0:05:25Although 300,000 people in Britain have Tourette's,
0:05:25 > 0:05:29only 10% suffer to the extent Paul does...
0:05:29 > 0:05:31Salmonella poisoning!
0:05:31 > 0:05:33This is the worst party ever.
0:05:35 > 0:05:38..with extreme involuntary tics...
0:05:38 > 0:05:41Oh, shit. Call the fire brigade. Hey! Kicked it over.
0:05:42 > 0:05:46..including violent body jerks and offensive outbursts.
0:05:48 > 0:05:51- Hitler were good. Oh, shit.- Dear me.- Hey!
0:05:51 > 0:05:54He will say things that are probably
0:05:54 > 0:05:57the most inappropriate he could possibly think of.
0:05:57 > 0:05:59She's overweight and grossly underpaid.
0:05:59 > 0:06:01Some people's faces are like...
0:06:01 > 0:06:03"How do you put up with that?"
0:06:03 > 0:06:05But, I mean, obviously, he doesn't mean it.
0:06:05 > 0:06:07Tasty, them burgers, aren't they?
0:06:07 > 0:06:09Do you know how many baby lions were killed?
0:06:09 > 0:06:14We'd been together for 15 years before Paul's Tourette's started.
0:06:14 > 0:06:18Just such a dramatic change from when I first met him.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20But he's still Paul,
0:06:20 > 0:06:23and, you know, I wouldn't have it any other way.
0:06:23 > 0:06:26Well, I'd probably prefer him not to have Tourette's, to be honest.
0:06:26 > 0:06:29But I wouldn't want to change how he is.
0:06:29 > 0:06:32Carol has had to take over the role of breadwinner
0:06:32 > 0:06:34since Paul's condition took hold.
0:06:34 > 0:06:37Got a 36DD breast.
0:06:37 > 0:06:41He's been a good househusband and he's a good cook.
0:06:41 > 0:06:43- He's a good- BLEEP! - That's not where he wants to be.
0:06:43 > 0:06:49He wants to be back in the work and providing for t'family.
0:06:49 > 0:06:52You're going to end up falling out with each other
0:06:52 > 0:06:54and hurting each other.
0:06:54 > 0:06:56'I've no aspirations to be a millionaire,
0:06:56 > 0:06:58'I'm not asking for the stars in heaven.'
0:06:58 > 0:07:01Leave Mummy alone.
0:07:01 > 0:07:04'I'm just asking to be able to provide for my family.'
0:07:06 > 0:07:08I just want things to go back to how they were.
0:07:08 > 0:07:10I go to work, bring money in.
0:07:10 > 0:07:11Right, boys...
0:07:13 > 0:07:15Have a fulfilled life.
0:07:17 > 0:07:19Mum! Mum! No, it tickles!
0:07:19 > 0:07:21- Hey! - HE WHISTLES
0:07:42 > 0:07:45Can you describe your condition for me?
0:07:45 > 0:07:48I'm, like...
0:07:51 > 0:07:53It's hard, um, like...
0:07:54 > 0:07:56Don't know, like, um...
0:07:56 > 0:08:00My mind's gone, like, I'm...
0:08:00 > 0:08:03thinking now how, like, how I'm stopping talk...
0:08:06 > 0:08:08Mind's gone blank.
0:08:10 > 0:08:13If you like, write down what you want to say and read it out?
0:08:19 > 0:08:22What's the worst thing about being autistic?
0:08:23 > 0:08:26Being in a world where it's geared for language,
0:08:26 > 0:08:30for people communicating, rather than...
0:08:30 > 0:08:35accepting people that can't...
0:08:35 > 0:08:36talk.
0:08:38 > 0:08:41How many jobs would you say you've applied for?
0:08:41 > 0:08:44Loads, lit... Um...
0:08:44 > 0:08:46Hun...hundreds of jobs.
0:08:49 > 0:08:51All right?
0:08:51 > 0:08:53- Yep.- Ready?
0:08:53 > 0:08:5734-year-old Brett struggles to communicate clearly
0:08:57 > 0:09:00unless he writes down his thoughts and reads them out.
0:09:00 > 0:09:02I'll walk up with you. You're all right.
0:09:04 > 0:09:07- I don't know... - You don't want to go in?
0:09:07 > 0:09:10He lives in County Durham with his mum Tanya
0:09:10 > 0:09:11who's been trying to help him
0:09:11 > 0:09:14overcome his challenges to find work.
0:09:14 > 0:09:17Can you tell me why you're feeling anxious, Brett?
0:09:17 > 0:09:18I'm... Don't want to...
0:09:20 > 0:09:21Don't know.
0:09:23 > 0:09:26- You coming?- No, I'm not.
0:09:26 > 0:09:30She's heard a local taxi firm is looking for drivers.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34You all right? Do you not want to go up?
0:09:35 > 0:09:38See there? Drivers wanted.
0:09:39 > 0:09:43- Yeah.- We'll walk across to the door, see if you could go in.
0:09:48 > 0:09:52- Um... Um....- Hello, mate.
0:09:52 > 0:09:56Sorry, I'm just looking at your sign for drivers.
0:09:56 > 0:09:58All right, you've got to drive a year
0:09:58 > 0:10:02- before you can apply for your taxi badge.- Um, I have.
0:10:02 > 0:10:06You've got to do a driving test, a theory test, knowledge test.
0:10:08 > 0:10:11- Thanks.- All right?- Thank you.
0:10:11 > 0:10:12No problem, all right?
0:10:16 > 0:10:19- Thank you.- You all right, Brett?
0:10:19 > 0:10:22I didn't even, like, know what to say,
0:10:22 > 0:10:25I hadn't prepared anything, and didn't...
0:10:27 > 0:10:30Ready? Want to go back to the car?
0:10:33 > 0:10:36Yeah, I could tell you were a bit anxious.
0:10:39 > 0:10:43Are you helping Nana? Are you going to help Nana?
0:10:43 > 0:10:45Only learning to speak aged four,
0:10:45 > 0:10:48Brett has always struggled socialising
0:10:48 > 0:10:50and was bullied at school.
0:10:50 > 0:10:52He left at 16 with no qualifications.
0:10:52 > 0:10:54He doesn't go out.
0:10:54 > 0:10:57I've known him not go out of the house in six months.
0:10:57 > 0:11:00I have to make him take me shopping.
0:11:00 > 0:11:03He does sometimes get out of the car now, doesn't he?
0:11:03 > 0:11:06But at one point he wouldn't get out of the car.
0:11:09 > 0:11:13In the UK, only 15% of adults on the autistic spectrum,
0:11:13 > 0:11:16like Brett, are in full-time work.
0:11:16 > 0:11:18"Thank you for your letter.
0:11:18 > 0:11:22"I regret that we are unable to help as we do not accommodate people
0:11:22 > 0:11:25"in work experience or similar roles."
0:11:25 > 0:11:28Well, at least you've got a reply.
0:11:28 > 0:11:32With no qualifications, and struggling to communicate,
0:11:32 > 0:11:35he's been rejected from every job he's applied for
0:11:35 > 0:11:37over the past eight years.
0:11:37 > 0:11:39If...
0:11:39 > 0:11:45there's 100 university candidates, um...
0:11:45 > 0:11:48and so why...consider me?
0:11:48 > 0:11:50I don't know.
0:11:55 > 0:12:00He just needs to have a chance. That's all he's asking for, really.
0:12:00 > 0:12:02Just a chance to prove himself.
0:12:03 > 0:12:07It's important that he finds a job for his own self-esteem.
0:12:07 > 0:12:11To feel worth something.
0:12:11 > 0:12:14And I feel so sorry and hurtful for him,
0:12:14 > 0:12:17because he tries and there's nothing he can do about it.
0:12:20 > 0:12:23What would you say is the absolute worst thing about having Tourette's?
0:12:23 > 0:12:27You've got this neurological disorder that disrupts your life,
0:12:27 > 0:12:28affects your employment.
0:12:28 > 0:12:33It never seems to go away, I never have any time where I'm not ticcing.
0:12:33 > 0:12:36Fuck off! Bomb!
0:12:36 > 0:12:39HE BLOWS RASPBERRY, SPITS
0:12:43 > 0:12:44Hey!
0:12:45 > 0:12:50Today, Paul is facing a five-hour trip to London on public transport.
0:12:50 > 0:12:54Hey! Allahu Akbar! Bollocks! Hey!
0:12:54 > 0:12:57He's going to meet a Tourette's specialist for advice
0:12:57 > 0:12:59on how to improve his chances of work.
0:12:59 > 0:13:02I hope I don't come back cos I die.
0:13:02 > 0:13:06But his tics are far worse when he's in public or in crowds.
0:13:06 > 0:13:08I'm not coming back.
0:13:08 > 0:13:10So can I have a kiss and a hug?
0:13:10 > 0:13:13As a safety measure, he'll be travelling with his brother-in-law.
0:13:13 > 0:13:15Dave, you fucking ginger dick.
0:13:15 > 0:13:18But Carol is still worried about the journey.
0:13:18 > 0:13:20Wish me luck. Mujaheddin!
0:13:20 > 0:13:23Sorry. Hey!
0:13:23 > 0:13:24It's in public, there's no escape.
0:13:24 > 0:13:26You going to be a good boy while I'm away?
0:13:26 > 0:13:28He has no control,
0:13:28 > 0:13:32so he needs somebody to be there
0:13:32 > 0:13:34to make sure that he's safe,
0:13:34 > 0:13:37and that other people know that he's not a threat to anybody else.
0:13:39 > 0:13:40(Sorry...)
0:13:44 > 0:13:46'Next train to arrive on platform two
0:13:46 > 0:13:48'in approximately eight minutes' time...'
0:13:48 > 0:13:50Hey!
0:13:50 > 0:13:53Hey! Hey!
0:13:55 > 0:13:56Bah!
0:13:56 > 0:13:58'Tourette's doesn't take any prisoners.
0:13:58 > 0:14:01'Just come out with anything, racial slurs.
0:14:01 > 0:14:05'My mind's racing about every potential dangerous situation
0:14:05 > 0:14:08'that my Tourette's might get me into.
0:14:08 > 0:14:10' "I'm Al-Qaeda, I've got a bomb," I tic that.'
0:14:10 > 0:14:11Shut the fuck up!
0:14:11 > 0:14:13HE BARKS
0:14:13 > 0:14:15HE WHISTLES
0:14:15 > 0:14:17Wanker. 'People don't understand.'
0:14:17 > 0:14:21Excuse me, I've got Tourette's syndrome, so if I shout stuff out...
0:14:21 > 0:14:23Hey! Hey!
0:14:24 > 0:14:26'..Consequences are I get arrested.'
0:14:26 > 0:14:29You smell of pee! Hey!
0:14:29 > 0:14:31This is the last journey of your life.
0:14:31 > 0:14:35'Worst-case scenario, sprayed, Tasered, locked up and charged.'
0:14:35 > 0:14:37Hey!
0:14:38 > 0:14:40We're going to die.
0:14:42 > 0:14:43Hey! Hey!
0:14:45 > 0:14:49Hey! Hey! Hey!
0:14:49 > 0:14:54MUFFLED SHOUTING
0:14:55 > 0:14:58Have you got the tickets? Hey!
0:14:58 > 0:15:00It's open, thank God for that.
0:15:00 > 0:15:02Hey!
0:15:02 > 0:15:03BLEEP.
0:15:07 > 0:15:11Shut the fuck up! Death to the BLEEP wankers.
0:15:11 > 0:15:14Hey! Fuck off!
0:15:14 > 0:15:16And I'm anxious. Wank!
0:15:16 > 0:15:19I need to get somewhere safe. Hey!
0:15:19 > 0:15:21- Fuck off! Wank! - HE COUGHS
0:15:21 > 0:15:23Bloody hell, nearly spewed then. Hey!
0:15:23 > 0:15:25Fucking dying, man.
0:15:26 > 0:15:29Let's get out of here, man. Hey! Taxi for 50p!
0:15:29 > 0:15:33I want to go somewhere safe. Hey! Fuck off.
0:15:35 > 0:15:37Fucking dicks.
0:15:46 > 0:15:48He's a really bad actor. Fuck the shit, dick.
0:15:51 > 0:15:53- HE WHISTLES - Hey!
0:15:53 > 0:15:55HE TICS AND WHOOPS
0:15:55 > 0:15:59Paul's travelled to see Davide Martino,
0:15:59 > 0:16:02a neurologist at King's College Hospital.
0:16:02 > 0:16:05He's been treating and studying people with Tourette's syndrome
0:16:05 > 0:16:07for over ten years.
0:16:07 > 0:16:08Ssh! Ssh!
0:16:08 > 0:16:10Give us a job.
0:16:10 > 0:16:13For a long time, Tourette's syndrome has been regarded as
0:16:13 > 0:16:16a severe mental illness, but in actual fact, Tourette's syndrome
0:16:16 > 0:16:21and tics are generated by the abnormal development
0:16:21 > 0:16:25of connections and pathways in the brain which control movements.
0:16:25 > 0:16:28- Hi, Paul, good morning. - Hi. Nice to meet you.
0:16:28 > 0:16:32- Nice to meet you. - Hey! Hey! Hey!
0:16:32 > 0:16:37'Paul has a particularly severe form of Tourette's syndrome,
0:16:37 > 0:16:40'and I'm very interested in understanding what situations'
0:16:40 > 0:16:44make his tics better and what make his tics worse,
0:16:44 > 0:16:49as this would be key to identifying the best job for him.
0:16:49 > 0:16:54- Paul, I wanted to know more about how your tics developed.- Hey!
0:16:54 > 0:16:56Er, I would say,
0:16:56 > 0:17:02the degree that my condition is today, it started six years ago.
0:17:02 > 0:17:04A very good friend of mine passed away,
0:17:04 > 0:17:08and I were overwhelmed with emotion
0:17:08 > 0:17:13and the tics and the big movements started at his funeral,
0:17:13 > 0:17:14at the crematorium.
0:17:14 > 0:17:16And I was sat around, "ha-ha-ha-ha..."
0:17:16 > 0:17:18Making noises like that.
0:17:18 > 0:17:21Everybody was thinking I were grieving.
0:17:21 > 0:17:25And then, after returning home, it was like an explosion.
0:17:25 > 0:17:29Not only just the movements but the loud shouts.
0:17:29 > 0:17:30Hey!
0:17:30 > 0:17:34We know that emotional stress may lead to
0:17:34 > 0:17:37sudden exacerbations of these movements.
0:17:37 > 0:17:41Looking back as a child, my parents have mentioned that
0:17:41 > 0:17:45I had very small motor tics and vocalisations,
0:17:45 > 0:17:48which we now, I now know was Tourette's.
0:17:48 > 0:17:52You have developed this ability to suppress them
0:17:52 > 0:17:59when you became a young adult. But then this anxiety has had...
0:17:59 > 0:18:00- A reversal.- ..a consequence,
0:18:00 > 0:18:06- a reverse effect, and this ability, for some reason, got lost.- Hey!
0:18:06 > 0:18:11- Focusing attention on a skill... - Uh-huh.
0:18:11 > 0:18:14..may make tics better.
0:18:14 > 0:18:16People feel more relaxed.
0:18:16 > 0:18:21The combination of this focus of attention on a specific task
0:18:21 > 0:18:27and the relaxation actually melts down tics fairly effectively.
0:18:27 > 0:18:30- I mean, there are surgeons who have tics.- Yeah.
0:18:30 > 0:18:34When they enter theatre and they are about to start an operation,
0:18:34 > 0:18:40they are absolutely brilliant in suppressing any type of tic
0:18:40 > 0:18:42whatsoever and they're very good at their job.
0:18:45 > 0:18:47'Although Paul's tics cannot be eradicated,
0:18:47 > 0:18:48'I think that it is possible'
0:18:48 > 0:18:52for him to find activities that will help him
0:18:52 > 0:18:55with his tics, and some of these activities may be used
0:18:55 > 0:18:58in a professional context and become jobs.
0:19:01 > 0:19:06Finding a job where I could focus and be tic-free, it's a great idea,
0:19:06 > 0:19:09but whether it's achievable or not, I don't know.
0:19:10 > 0:19:15Maybe a workplace where I'm away from crowds, away from people.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19Because that's when my tics seem to be at their worst.
0:19:19 > 0:19:20Take me to the moon.
0:19:28 > 0:19:31What are your biggest fears for the future?
0:19:31 > 0:19:32Um...
0:19:39 > 0:19:44Um, not having a job and being by myself...
0:19:45 > 0:19:48..is my biggest fear for the future. Just...
0:19:48 > 0:19:53being the typical lonely old man, no job, no nothing.
0:20:00 > 0:20:01Are we feeding you?
0:20:01 > 0:20:04To turn around eight years of failed job-hunting,
0:20:04 > 0:20:06Brett needs expert help.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10So today, he's leaving the house for the first time in two weeks.
0:20:12 > 0:20:15It always has been unnerving
0:20:15 > 0:20:17whenever I'm away from home.
0:20:20 > 0:20:23Brett's going to Cambridge University
0:20:23 > 0:20:25to meet Professor Simon Baron-Cohen,
0:20:25 > 0:20:28a world-renowned expert on autism.
0:20:28 > 0:20:30I think there's a big change happening.
0:20:30 > 0:20:33Employers are now starting to realise that there's an advantage
0:20:33 > 0:20:36to having people who think differently in a team.
0:20:36 > 0:20:39- Have a good time.- I will do. Bye.
0:20:40 > 0:20:44- Hi, Brett.- Hello, Simon. - Welcome to Cambridge.
0:20:44 > 0:20:47'The autistic brain is simply different to the typical brain.'
0:20:47 > 0:20:51Some people with autism are socially quite withdrawn,
0:20:51 > 0:20:55and that might not give you any clue that the person might also
0:20:55 > 0:20:59have superior abilities in certain areas.
0:20:59 > 0:21:03So we really have to look past the social difficulties
0:21:03 > 0:21:04to see what they're capable of.
0:21:04 > 0:21:09With over 20 years dedicated to researching autism...
0:21:09 > 0:21:10Come on in.
0:21:10 > 0:21:13..Simon wants to assess Brett's skills and talents
0:21:13 > 0:21:17to help him focus on a new strategy in finding work.
0:21:17 > 0:21:19So it's very nice to meet you.
0:21:22 > 0:21:24Yeah.
0:21:24 > 0:21:25When did you get your diagnosis?
0:21:27 > 0:21:28Um...
0:21:29 > 0:21:31Um...
0:21:31 > 0:21:35- about four years ago. - So quite recent.
0:21:35 > 0:21:36Um...
0:21:37 > 0:21:42I've been told I didn't start talking till around three,
0:21:42 > 0:21:44- four years old.- We would probably say that was a bit late.
0:21:44 > 0:21:48Most kids are talking by about one or two years old.
0:21:48 > 0:21:51So what do you remember from that early period?
0:21:52 > 0:21:57Um, I would just sit by myself and looking at stuff.
0:21:57 > 0:22:01- So you're more of an observer, really?- I think with pictures.
0:22:02 > 0:22:05In someone with autism, there's much more activity
0:22:05 > 0:22:07in the visual parts of the brain at the back
0:22:07 > 0:22:09rather than in the frontal lobes.
0:22:09 > 0:22:13They don't necessarily think in words, so they're thinking visually,
0:22:13 > 0:22:17spatially, and that might be part of their strength.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19So, I've got various things here.
0:22:19 > 0:22:22- Are you happy to try some of these tests?- Yeah.
0:22:22 > 0:22:26- If I can set this up, we have six compartments.- Yeah.
0:22:26 > 0:22:31And the idea is that if we just take one match away,
0:22:31 > 0:22:36can you make another kind of pattern where there are six compartments?
0:22:42 > 0:22:47The matchstick test is a test of logic and problem-solving
0:22:47 > 0:22:50for someone who thinks in a very visual way.
0:22:55 > 0:22:58That's interesting, going for a different shape.
0:23:00 > 0:23:03Wow. This is very interesting.
0:23:05 > 0:23:09Is that six? I think that is, isn't it? Yeah, that's six.
0:23:09 > 0:23:13- Yeah.- So you've turned it into more like a hexagon.- Yeah.
0:23:13 > 0:23:17Six triangles, that's fantastic. Incredibly fast.
0:23:17 > 0:23:19And just to tell you, I couldn't do that,
0:23:19 > 0:23:22I had to look up the answer, but you did it on your own.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26People with autism shouldn't be underestimated.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29They might see things in a fresh way
0:23:29 > 0:23:31and that could be really valuable in the workplace.
0:23:31 > 0:23:34- Do you like learning things? - Yeah.
0:23:34 > 0:23:37- Like drawing...- Drawing, yeah.
0:23:37 > 0:23:41- And piano.- Piano? You taught yourself the piano?
0:23:41 > 0:23:45- Yeah.- I don't know what you'd feel about playing me something?
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- Would you like to do that? - Yeah.- Yeah?
0:23:50 > 0:23:55- Normally I just, um, improvise. - OK.
0:23:55 > 0:23:56Um...
0:24:01 > 0:24:05HE PLAYS POETIC, GENTLE MELODY
0:24:29 > 0:24:32Thank you very much. It's wonderful.
0:24:33 > 0:24:36I actually found it very moving listening to it,
0:24:36 > 0:24:39because it's a very emotional song as well, isn't it?
0:24:39 > 0:24:41A lot of people with autism love systems,
0:24:41 > 0:24:44where there are repeating patterns.
0:24:44 > 0:24:48And the piano is just one example, isn't it, really,
0:24:48 > 0:24:51where you can create these patterns.
0:24:53 > 0:24:55He's got incredible talent.
0:24:55 > 0:24:57When he walked over to the piano,
0:24:57 > 0:25:01and started playing his own composition, it was extraordinary.
0:25:04 > 0:25:07He's got a real ability to learn
0:25:07 > 0:25:09and that's going to be a really good skill
0:25:09 > 0:25:11when it comes to the workplace.
0:25:22 > 0:25:28Isaac Newton. Some people speculated that Newton might have had autism.
0:25:28 > 0:25:33Although he was obviously incredibly talented as a scientist,
0:25:33 > 0:25:37as a physicist, he struggled with social relationships.
0:25:41 > 0:25:44He was quite interested in music as well, actually.
0:25:47 > 0:25:51I've never really met any specialists that can
0:25:51 > 0:25:56give us more of an insight, like what Simon's done today.
0:25:56 > 0:26:00It has made me feel better in looking for work.
0:26:01 > 0:26:03Like many people with autism,
0:26:03 > 0:26:07Brett's big difficulty is going to be having the social skills,
0:26:07 > 0:26:09the language skills, to get through an interview.
0:26:09 > 0:26:12But if he could just get onto a work trial, he'd have a better chance
0:26:12 > 0:26:15of getting into a job based on his actual abilities.
0:26:17 > 0:26:23What I would like is an employer that would understand autism.
0:26:23 > 0:26:27If they can give me a job, I might not know about it,
0:26:27 > 0:26:30but I will quickly learn and find my own solutions.
0:26:34 > 0:26:36What would you say your biggest weakness is?
0:26:36 > 0:26:39Small cock... Ah. Cock.
0:26:39 > 0:26:44Er, my weakness, I would say, is my condition.
0:26:44 > 0:26:46- HE WHISTLES - Hey!
0:26:50 > 0:26:52We have ways of making you talk.
0:26:52 > 0:26:54- HE WHISTLES - Hey!
0:26:54 > 0:26:56Frank Spencer is not real.
0:26:57 > 0:27:00Taking advice from a Tourette's specialist,
0:27:00 > 0:27:0452-year-old Paul is looking for jobs away from crowds
0:27:04 > 0:27:07that focus his mind so his tics reduce.
0:27:07 > 0:27:10While I was at school, worked on a milk round.
0:27:10 > 0:27:12Since then, working in a timber yard,
0:27:12 > 0:27:16bus driving, window cleaning, and also worked as a doorman.
0:27:16 > 0:27:19Living just a stone's throw from a busy harbour,
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Paul's heard there are vacancies on the local fishing trawlers,
0:27:22 > 0:27:26offering long stints working at sea, far away from people.
0:27:26 > 0:27:29Ooh! Horse piss.
0:27:29 > 0:27:31He's keen to send in his CV.
0:27:31 > 0:27:34I've held professional driving licences including HGV,
0:27:34 > 0:27:38and I've had many years of practical driving experience.
0:27:38 > 0:27:41I might put "safe" because I've never had an accident.
0:27:41 > 0:27:44I killed a man once. I didn't.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47HE WHISTLES
0:27:47 > 0:27:50Hey! Hey! Hey! Hey!
0:27:51 > 0:27:53Right. Hup!
0:27:53 > 0:27:55HE TICS
0:28:01 > 0:28:03Fuck off! Hey!
0:28:10 > 0:28:14Hey! Hey! Fuck off! Hey! Hey! Fuck off!
0:28:14 > 0:28:17TICS INTENSIFY
0:28:20 > 0:28:21Bollocks! Fuck!
0:28:23 > 0:28:24Fuck!
0:28:32 > 0:28:35Hey! Wank! Fuck off!
0:28:37 > 0:28:39If he don't take time out now,
0:28:39 > 0:28:41he'll probably have a full-on tic attack,
0:28:41 > 0:28:44which means that he just constantly tics and he can't...
0:28:44 > 0:28:46he can't stop them.
0:28:46 > 0:28:49HE TICS CONTINUALLY
0:28:51 > 0:28:53There's nothing I can do to help him or anyone else,
0:28:53 > 0:28:56he just has to deal with it and let him come back down.
0:29:00 > 0:29:03It's usually something's causing him to be anxious.
0:29:07 > 0:29:09In the past, he's actually ended up on the floor,
0:29:09 > 0:29:12not being able to get up, and the only thing I could do
0:29:12 > 0:29:15was put a cushion under his head to stop him hurting himself.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17Hey! Caz, I'm going up.
0:29:17 > 0:29:19TICS CONTINUE
0:29:23 > 0:29:28Yeah, which, if you're on a job somewhere, doing something,
0:29:28 > 0:29:30isn't the best, is it, really?
0:29:32 > 0:29:35Fuck off! Hey! Hey! Hey!
0:29:35 > 0:29:37Hey!
0:29:38 > 0:29:40What would it mean to you to get a job?
0:29:40 > 0:29:42Um...
0:29:43 > 0:29:45Everything, really. Um...
0:29:47 > 0:29:53Independence, and being able to feel that I'm,
0:29:53 > 0:29:56like, being useful.
0:29:59 > 0:30:03Come on! Come and get a gravy bone. Come on!
0:30:03 > 0:30:07Unemployed Brett has not only taught himself piano from scratch,
0:30:07 > 0:30:10but his autistic mind has also enabled him
0:30:10 > 0:30:13to master 3-D modelling and computer animation.
0:30:13 > 0:30:17The way his brain works is a lot more advanced than mine.
0:30:17 > 0:30:20None of the others can do that - there's only Brett that can
0:30:20 > 0:30:23look at something and know how to do it immediately.
0:30:26 > 0:30:29Despite his talents, he's not been able to find a job.
0:30:29 > 0:30:30So how's things?
0:30:32 > 0:30:34Um...
0:30:34 > 0:30:37Following Brett's meeting with Simon Baron-Cohen,
0:30:37 > 0:30:40he's got an appointment with a specialist employment advisor.
0:30:40 > 0:30:41Sometimes the employers see just
0:30:41 > 0:30:43the label and they're not sort of
0:30:43 > 0:30:45prepared to give that person
0:30:45 > 0:30:47a chance to prove themselves.
0:30:47 > 0:30:48Hopefully, if Brett gets some
0:30:48 > 0:30:50worthwhile work experience,
0:30:50 > 0:30:53he'll be able to prove that he has got excellent skills.
0:30:53 > 0:30:55I've got a few little possible leads.
0:30:55 > 0:30:59John has compiled a list of companies with vacancies that match
0:30:59 > 0:31:03Brett's skill set and which might be interested in offering a work trial.
0:31:04 > 0:31:07The first opportunity that's come about is a family-run company
0:31:07 > 0:31:08that makes medical equipment.
0:31:08 > 0:31:11The team mostly develop software that helps streamline
0:31:11 > 0:31:13the company's processes.
0:31:13 > 0:31:15- Is that, like, software testing? - Yes.
0:31:17 > 0:31:20Oh, because I think I could be good at that.
0:31:20 > 0:31:22I think you have a lot of transferable skills
0:31:22 > 0:31:25- you could use for that one, couldn't you?- Yes. Um...
0:31:25 > 0:31:27I have got the skills to do the jobs,
0:31:27 > 0:31:30but I've had not a lot of success
0:31:30 > 0:31:32in the past and I'm still a bit
0:31:32 > 0:31:37dubious as to whether any employers would still want to...
0:31:37 > 0:31:38consider us.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40- Take care, now.- OK.- Bye.- Bye.
0:31:48 > 0:31:51MAN BARKS Woof!
0:31:52 > 0:31:56Paul is hunting for a job that lessens the severity of his tics.
0:31:56 > 0:32:01- I'm nervous.- After sending out his CV, he's been invited to meet
0:32:01 > 0:32:04the director of the local fishing association.
0:32:05 > 0:32:08We don't make love any more because, yeah - I'm a spastic.
0:32:08 > 0:32:10- HE BLOWS RASPBERRY - Bop-bop-bop!
0:32:12 > 0:32:15- CHILDREN: Bye, Dad!- Love you. - Love you, too. Woof! Get down, now.
0:32:15 > 0:32:17I'm sure it'll be fine, love.
0:32:17 > 0:32:20- HE BLOWS RASPBERRY - Ha!
0:32:21 > 0:32:24You all right, mate? Wanky taxi driver!
0:32:24 > 0:32:26Woof!
0:32:26 > 0:32:28Do you know baby Jesus liked petrol stations?
0:32:30 > 0:32:34- Paul is interviewing to work on the local trawler boats.- Fishy fanny.
0:32:34 > 0:32:35Whoo!
0:32:35 > 0:32:38Far away from the triggers of his Tourette's,
0:32:38 > 0:32:41it could be a good choice to keep his tics under control.
0:32:41 > 0:32:43- Hey! - HE WHISTLES
0:32:43 > 0:32:45HE CLEARS HIS THROAT
0:32:47 > 0:32:49Hey! Hey!
0:32:50 > 0:32:52- Hiya.- Hey!
0:32:52 > 0:32:54Just put that brolly there.
0:32:54 > 0:32:55Hey, hey, hey!
0:32:55 > 0:32:57Nice to meet you, I'm Paul Stevenson.
0:32:57 > 0:33:00- I'm Dennis Osborne. Grab a seat. - Hi, Dennis. Ha!
0:33:01 > 0:33:04A word about my tics - don't be alarmed.
0:33:04 > 0:33:07If I tic anything that might sound personal or anything, ha!
0:33:07 > 0:33:09..it don't reflect my opinion at all.
0:33:09 > 0:33:11- Hey! - HE WHISTLES
0:33:11 > 0:33:13Do you know anything about the industry?
0:33:13 > 0:33:15Not at all, other than what I've seen on TV. I just wanted to...
0:33:15 > 0:33:17- Hey! - HE WHISTLES
0:33:17 > 0:33:19HE CLEARS THROAT AND WHISTLES
0:33:22 > 0:33:24..look into different options and different things, so...
0:33:24 > 0:33:29- The industry itself is an extremely hard-working industry.- Uh-huh, yeah.
0:33:29 > 0:33:32It's wet, it's cold, it's dangerous.
0:33:32 > 0:33:34I can't swim! I CAN swim, sorry.
0:33:34 > 0:33:37- You've got to really want to do this.- Right.
0:33:37 > 0:33:39- It's a hard life out there.- Aye.
0:33:39 > 0:33:43I've worked all my life from being 14. I had part-time jobs and stuff.
0:33:43 > 0:33:46Hey! My heart and everything is willing.
0:33:46 > 0:33:50And then I'm in this through no fault of my own.
0:33:50 > 0:33:53This condition came on in the last six years, so...
0:33:53 > 0:33:55Excuse my ignorance, but...
0:33:55 > 0:33:59how does pressure affect your condition?
0:33:59 > 0:34:02It has a tendency to make my tics worse...
0:34:02 > 0:34:05Well, not a tendency, it DOES make my tics worse. Hey!
0:34:05 > 0:34:07The problem is that...
0:34:07 > 0:34:09a fishing vessel,
0:34:09 > 0:34:14unlike anything else anybody else works on, is constant motion.
0:34:14 > 0:34:17How are you going to cope with that?
0:34:17 > 0:34:19I don't think you could, really.
0:34:19 > 0:34:22Once your motion goes, you would be over the side.
0:34:23 > 0:34:27And the sad part is you could take somebody with you, you know?
0:34:27 > 0:34:29HE CLEARS THROAT, WHISTLES
0:34:30 > 0:34:32Does that make sense to you?
0:34:35 > 0:34:36I've not come to the end of a road
0:34:36 > 0:34:38- by you saying I'm not suitable for this.- Absolutely.
0:34:38 > 0:34:41- I'll look at other avenues. - Yes, I can understand that.
0:34:41 > 0:34:43I really appreciate you giving me
0:34:43 > 0:34:44the time today to come and talk to you.
0:34:44 > 0:34:48Obviously, good luck for the future in anything else you attempt.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50- Hey, hey, hey! - HE BLOWS RASPBERRY
0:34:50 > 0:34:54Not a nice experience for somebody to say, "I'm sorry,
0:34:54 > 0:34:56"you wouldn't be capable of doing it".
0:34:56 > 0:34:59- Thanks for coming, Paul. - I appreciate you taking the time.
0:34:59 > 0:35:01'It has a big impact on your self-worth,
0:35:01 > 0:35:04'because while my heart is willing and my brain is willing,'
0:35:04 > 0:35:07the reality of me doing a job like that is pretty zero.
0:35:07 > 0:35:10See you later, bye-bye. Hey. Dolphin!
0:35:10 > 0:35:12It affects your self-esteem...
0:35:14 > 0:35:18..and gives me doubts about my capabilities of...what could I do?
0:35:18 > 0:35:20- Ha! - HE WHISTLES
0:35:20 > 0:35:23Hey! Jump in the river.
0:35:23 > 0:35:25Ooh!
0:35:25 > 0:35:27I'll cry when I get home. Hey!
0:35:27 > 0:35:29- HE WHISTLES - Hey, hey, hey!
0:35:34 > 0:35:38- I could wear white. - Well, I like the black and grey.
0:35:38 > 0:35:40I like it as well, yeah.
0:35:40 > 0:35:42Brett has had some welcome news.
0:35:42 > 0:35:45One of the companies approached through his employment advisor
0:35:45 > 0:35:47has a vacancy.
0:35:47 > 0:35:49What are you worrying about?
0:35:49 > 0:35:51Absolutely everything.
0:35:51 > 0:35:52Absolutely everything.
0:35:52 > 0:35:56They've invited him to an interview for a two-week work trial
0:35:56 > 0:35:59that could lead to a full-time job.
0:35:59 > 0:36:01Brett's told them he has autism.
0:36:01 > 0:36:04Are those ironed properly there, Brett?
0:36:04 > 0:36:05No. They're not.
0:36:09 > 0:36:13I really struggle with talking to people anyway
0:36:13 > 0:36:16and in the interview setting,
0:36:16 > 0:36:19it just escalates it.
0:36:19 > 0:36:22I've failed at every interview I've been to.
0:36:22 > 0:36:26Here we are, let me just turn that a little bit, there. There you go.
0:36:26 > 0:36:29Build yourself up, tell yourself you're going in there
0:36:29 > 0:36:32and you're going to show 'em exactly what you can do. Be confident.
0:36:36 > 0:36:39Brett's interview is at a company that designs
0:36:39 > 0:36:40and builds medical equipment.
0:36:43 > 0:36:48His gift for visual problem-solving could prove a valuable commodity,
0:36:48 > 0:36:50if the interviewers can see past his awkwardness.
0:36:52 > 0:36:54Brett. I'm Peter.
0:36:54 > 0:36:57Good to meet you. Come through.
0:36:57 > 0:36:59The vacancy that we've got at the moment
0:36:59 > 0:37:02is for a technician in the factory, it's computer-related and we need
0:37:02 > 0:37:05people with an eye for detail, quick learners and good with systems.
0:37:05 > 0:37:10We can start with you telling us a little bit about yourself.
0:37:10 > 0:37:11Um...
0:37:13 > 0:37:16I, um... I've...
0:37:16 > 0:37:18I've, er...
0:37:18 > 0:37:23Um, I've struggled with social communication and stuff,
0:37:23 > 0:37:27but I like modelling on the computer.
0:37:27 > 0:37:29OK.
0:37:29 > 0:37:30OK.
0:37:30 > 0:37:32I don't know whether this is the right phraseology,
0:37:32 > 0:37:35his brain is processing on the inside, but he's struggling
0:37:35 > 0:37:37to get the words to the outside.
0:37:37 > 0:37:39There's some kind of blockage in the pipe between his brain
0:37:39 > 0:37:41and the outside world.
0:37:41 > 0:37:44OK, Brett, what is it that you find appealing
0:37:44 > 0:37:46about coming to work with us?
0:37:46 > 0:37:49You are being innovative, not stopping,
0:37:49 > 0:37:53you are looking for new ways and I think that's how my mind thinks,
0:37:53 > 0:37:56I'm always thinking of something new,
0:37:56 > 0:37:59trying a different way to push something.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03OK, Brett. Well, thanks for coming over this afternoon.
0:38:03 > 0:38:05- We'll be in touch.- Thank you.
0:38:06 > 0:38:07He struggled, verbally,
0:38:07 > 0:38:10but that's not important for the role that we're looking for.
0:38:10 > 0:38:13What's more important is that the person fits the job
0:38:13 > 0:38:15and can do the job and wants to do the job.
0:38:21 > 0:38:23Could I ask who's calling?
0:38:23 > 0:38:25I'll pass him over, thank you.
0:38:25 > 0:38:26Hello?
0:38:26 > 0:38:28'I'm just calling you to let you know that we've
0:38:28 > 0:38:30'reviewed your application...'
0:38:30 > 0:38:31Yes?
0:38:32 > 0:38:35'And we're happy to let you know that that has been successful.'
0:38:35 > 0:38:40- Thank you!- 'Thanks a lot, Brett - take care.'- Bye!- 'Bye.'
0:38:40 > 0:38:44Very good! What do you think? Are you pleased?
0:38:44 > 0:38:46Shocked.
0:38:46 > 0:38:48Well done, Brett, you should be buzzing!
0:38:51 > 0:38:53- I don't know...- I'm pleased for you, Brett, I'm really pleased.
0:38:53 > 0:38:57- It's something you want to do. - It's a good thing, yeah.
0:38:57 > 0:39:00You did good, yeah - you did do good.
0:39:00 > 0:39:02I'm chuffed.
0:39:04 > 0:39:09Because there's a chance to prove yourself, that I can cope with it.
0:39:09 > 0:39:13- INTERVIEWER:- When was the last time you had something like that happen?
0:39:13 > 0:39:14I haven't.
0:39:15 > 0:39:17Yes!
0:39:17 > 0:39:19If Brett performs well in the trial,
0:39:19 > 0:39:22it could lead to a permanent job.
0:39:27 > 0:39:29But, for such a social recluse,
0:39:29 > 0:39:32even the journey to work is a step forward.
0:39:38 > 0:39:41He's feeling a bit apprehensive about travelling.
0:39:41 > 0:39:44But it is a big deal, it's...
0:39:45 > 0:39:49Because it's something that he would enjoy doing.
0:39:49 > 0:39:52I think I'll be able to do whatever work that they're showing us,
0:39:52 > 0:39:55it's just meeting everyone,
0:39:55 > 0:39:59introducing myself, that I'm all anxious about.
0:39:59 > 0:40:00Brett, good morning.
0:40:00 > 0:40:02- Morning.- Good to see you.
0:40:02 > 0:40:05- All right, Brett.- Hiya.
0:40:05 > 0:40:09Talking to new people is Brett's greatest difficulty,
0:40:09 > 0:40:11though he can write what he's thinking.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13'When you're struggling to speak to strangers,
0:40:13 > 0:40:16'it feels like I can't break through.
0:40:16 > 0:40:19'The picture in my mind breaks down
0:40:19 > 0:40:22'and fear and anxiety replaces it.
0:40:22 > 0:40:25'Social interaction is like a puzzle that can't be solved.'
0:40:25 > 0:40:28- Can I introduce Brett?- Hi!
0:40:28 > 0:40:30Pleased to meet you.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33'These people are waiting for a response - something,
0:40:33 > 0:40:37'anything - and everything depends on it.'
0:40:37 > 0:40:40So this is the job card. Let's input all that information.
0:40:40 > 0:40:44Brett's first task - customising shoe insoles for patients -
0:40:44 > 0:40:47could tap into his talent for visual thinking
0:40:47 > 0:40:49and self-taught computer modelling.
0:40:49 > 0:40:51Just open any insole...
0:40:51 > 0:40:54It's like that.
0:40:54 > 0:40:57- Do you think you'll be all right giving that a go?- Mm.
0:41:01 > 0:41:03- INTERVIEWER:- How is Brett doing?
0:41:03 > 0:41:05He is picking up really quickly,
0:41:05 > 0:41:07but communication is probably
0:41:07 > 0:41:09a little bit low.
0:41:09 > 0:41:11Are you feeling all right with it so far?
0:41:14 > 0:41:16Sorry?
0:41:16 > 0:41:18That's probably the trickiest part.
0:41:19 > 0:41:22- Are you finding it all right, then?- Yep.- Yeah?
0:41:25 > 0:41:28- Have you got any...?- Um...
0:41:32 > 0:41:34Don't worry. I generally just talk a lot,
0:41:34 > 0:41:37so don't worry about it!
0:41:37 > 0:41:39I'm going to go for my break now.
0:41:39 > 0:41:42- You just going to stay here? - Yeah.
0:41:42 > 0:41:44Yeah?
0:41:46 > 0:41:49RAUCOUS LAUGHTER FROM FAR TABLE
0:41:49 > 0:41:53It wasn't a career option to get a disability.
0:41:53 > 0:41:56I didn't ask for this, but I'm certainly not letting it beat me
0:41:56 > 0:41:59and I'm certainly not sitting down, accepting it.
0:41:59 > 0:42:01Fuck off.
0:42:02 > 0:42:04HE WHISTLES
0:42:06 > 0:42:09Do you know if Osama Bin Laden's been in this taxi?
0:42:09 > 0:42:11Despite all his efforts,
0:42:11 > 0:42:15every job avenue Paul explores is blocked by his Tourette's.
0:42:16 > 0:42:19My bra's chafing. Woof!
0:42:19 > 0:42:23Today, he has an assessment with an occupational psychologist,
0:42:23 > 0:42:25to see if there's anything else he can try.
0:42:27 > 0:42:30Nancy Doyle specialises in finding the hidden talents
0:42:30 > 0:42:34in people on the extreme end of the neurological spectrum.
0:42:34 > 0:42:37People with neuro-diverse conditions like Tourette's
0:42:37 > 0:42:41tend to have strengths, but a lot of weaknesses as well.
0:42:41 > 0:42:43What they've been paying attention
0:42:43 > 0:42:45to is all those weaknesses,
0:42:45 > 0:42:48but what I'm hopefully going to do today with Paul is draw out what
0:42:48 > 0:42:52those strengths are and what those might look like in a career choice.
0:42:53 > 0:42:55- Paul.- Hiya.- Nancy.
0:42:55 > 0:42:57- Come on in, Paul.- Hey! Fuck...
0:42:57 > 0:43:00- HE CLEARS VOICE, WHISTLES - It's a bit of a mess. Sorry.
0:43:00 > 0:43:02Hey, hey!
0:43:02 > 0:43:05- Take a seat, Paul. - Thank you very much.
0:43:05 > 0:43:06Hey!
0:43:06 > 0:43:07Cool.
0:43:07 > 0:43:10- Um, so...- You're gorgeous! Sorry.
0:43:10 > 0:43:12- Thank you very much! - THEY LAUGH
0:43:12 > 0:43:15- Sorry. You've got lovely legs. - Thank you very much!
0:43:15 > 0:43:18The plan is to go through these cognitive tests,
0:43:18 > 0:43:22then consider those in relation to work that you might do.
0:43:22 > 0:43:25The first one we're going to do is block design.
0:43:25 > 0:43:27This is the picture
0:43:27 > 0:43:30and this is how you make the blocks look like the picture.
0:43:30 > 0:43:33- Ready?- Yes.- OK.
0:43:36 > 0:43:39I'll be testing Paul on a range of skills
0:43:39 > 0:43:41and these will include perceptual reasoning,
0:43:41 > 0:43:44which is how well he can analyse situations visually.
0:43:44 > 0:43:46- Pretty shit. - It was pretty good, actually.
0:43:46 > 0:43:48'And make sense of patterns.'
0:43:49 > 0:43:51But also verbal skills.
0:43:51 > 0:43:56In what way are a fly and a tree alike?
0:43:56 > 0:43:59- A fly and a tree?- Yeah.
0:43:59 > 0:44:00Can I just... Hey!
0:44:00 > 0:44:03Do you want to just stop and have a stretch, a walk about? Yeah?
0:44:03 > 0:44:05Hey! Hey!
0:44:06 > 0:44:08- I hope you can...- Hey!
0:44:08 > 0:44:10Right.
0:44:11 > 0:44:12OK.
0:44:12 > 0:44:16I'll do the scoring and we'll come back and talk about it in a minute.
0:44:18 > 0:44:22Since Paul's diagnosis, all doors to work have been closed for him.
0:44:22 > 0:44:23Can I go home? Wah!
0:44:24 > 0:44:27Nancy's results could hold the key to types of work
0:44:27 > 0:44:31he could actually excel at.
0:44:31 > 0:44:33OK, so perceptual reasoning,
0:44:33 > 0:44:36you've got an IQ of 123,
0:44:36 > 0:44:37which is in the top 6%.
0:44:37 > 0:44:40Those are really, really strong scores.
0:44:40 > 0:44:43You've got a higher ability than most to think about shapes,
0:44:43 > 0:44:48space, where things fit together and how they work.
0:44:48 > 0:44:51I'm pretty creative in visualising things.
0:44:51 > 0:44:54When my Tourette's started, I didn't leave the house for like,
0:44:54 > 0:44:57three months, so Carol bought me a little compact camera.
0:44:57 > 0:44:59I just went out and got some cracking shots.
0:44:59 > 0:45:02I can visualise images, so I wondered how that would fit.
0:45:02 > 0:45:06It's not a surprise that you're good at photography or art at all.
0:45:06 > 0:45:09Those are without a doubt your outstanding abilities.
0:45:09 > 0:45:14There are plenty of ways to make a living from that, actually.
0:45:14 > 0:45:17He's in the top 6% of the population
0:45:17 > 0:45:21for his ability to make sense of pictures and shapes
0:45:21 > 0:45:24and that really tallies with his interest in photography.
0:45:24 > 0:45:28BUT it's a really competitive field and he needs to go out
0:45:28 > 0:45:31and see whether there is a market out there for his skills.
0:45:31 > 0:45:35- See you later, Paul, take care. - Have a safe journey back. Hey!
0:45:35 > 0:45:38Don't get pissed! Sorry.
0:45:38 > 0:45:40For somebody to actually...
0:45:40 > 0:45:43come out and say things like that,
0:45:43 > 0:45:46it's pretty good for my self-esteem. Hey!
0:45:46 > 0:45:48Gives me more ammunition to succeed.
0:45:48 > 0:45:51I'm not going to let it go to my head!
0:45:51 > 0:45:55But... it's a good confidence boost.
0:45:58 > 0:46:01BIRDSONG, SHEEP BLEAT
0:46:01 > 0:46:03- Hey! - HE WHISTLES
0:46:06 > 0:46:10Up until now, Paul's photography has only been a hobby,
0:46:10 > 0:46:13and a way of calming his tics.
0:46:13 > 0:46:16What I enjoy about photography is it's something I can do
0:46:16 > 0:46:19pretty much unhindered, with no intrusion from my condition.
0:46:19 > 0:46:21And at the end of the day, I need it.
0:46:22 > 0:46:23If you were to ask me my ideal situation,
0:46:23 > 0:46:26that'd be just me and my camera in the middle of nowhere.
0:46:30 > 0:46:34- INTERVIEWER:- So, are you at your happiest when you're out here, doing this?- Yes, definitely.
0:46:35 > 0:46:37A little bit of old me back.
0:46:40 > 0:46:44In an ideal world, I would love to do it as a profession. Hey!
0:46:44 > 0:46:47- Cotton picking.- Do you know much about the photographic industry?
0:46:47 > 0:46:50No, not at all. I don't know nothing at all.
0:46:53 > 0:46:58Paul may have found a natural gift and an activity to ease his tics,
0:46:58 > 0:47:01but to have a chance of success in such a competitive trade,
0:47:01 > 0:47:05he needs to send his images out to industry professionals.
0:47:09 > 0:47:12It would be good if I could make a living of it.
0:47:12 > 0:47:15As to whether other people like my taste and like the fact that,
0:47:15 > 0:47:19you know, I see things differently, I don't know.
0:47:19 > 0:47:22And as to whether anyone is going to put their hand in their pocket
0:47:22 > 0:47:24and give me an income from it, I don't know.
0:47:24 > 0:47:25Ha!
0:47:26 > 0:47:29- Point and shoot. - HE CLEARS HIS VOICE
0:47:34 > 0:47:37Brett is on a work trial at a local medical company.
0:47:37 > 0:47:41He has two weeks to prove himself in order to be
0:47:41 > 0:47:43considered for a permanent role.
0:47:45 > 0:47:49Until now, his autism has made it difficult for him
0:47:49 > 0:47:50to communicate with his colleagues.
0:47:50 > 0:47:52Try again.
0:47:52 > 0:47:53- BEEP - There we go.
0:47:53 > 0:47:58But his next task has the potential to show off his autistic mind,
0:47:58 > 0:48:01by harnessing his talent for recognising patterns.
0:48:01 > 0:48:05We'll make a start, Brett - we'll go in... Good morning, by the way!
0:48:05 > 0:48:07Brett has to test an app
0:48:07 > 0:48:11to be used by clinicians on the front line of patient care.
0:48:11 > 0:48:14We're going to give you a set of test scripts
0:48:14 > 0:48:16and we want you to test our software.
0:48:17 > 0:48:20It's got to work first time, every time, OK?
0:48:26 > 0:48:30Software testing is really, really hard.
0:48:30 > 0:48:33It does take somebody that's got the ability to
0:48:33 > 0:48:36focus their attention on the details and get it right.
0:48:40 > 0:48:44I think differently, very differently from the average person.
0:48:44 > 0:48:48My autism makes me question the world based on truth and logic.
0:48:50 > 0:48:52I've pressed space-bar
0:48:52 > 0:48:54and it came up with an error for the whole application to close.
0:48:54 > 0:48:56I've no idea...
0:48:56 > 0:48:58why it's done it.
0:48:58 > 0:49:01I'll go back to see what step I've done before then.
0:49:04 > 0:49:08Systems, however complex, gradually become easier to understand,
0:49:08 > 0:49:10the more questions you ask of them.
0:49:12 > 0:49:15All the secrets are there just waiting to be uncovered.
0:49:15 > 0:49:17I've got it.
0:49:17 > 0:49:22In just four hours, Brett has got to the bottom of a bug in the software.
0:49:22 > 0:49:24I've worked on this page,
0:49:24 > 0:49:26number 12 step, it was doing...
0:49:26 > 0:49:28- Obviously what I've done... - How do you do it?!
0:49:28 > 0:49:30Instead of clicking on the three dots,
0:49:30 > 0:49:32I've just pressed space-bar to try and...
0:49:34 > 0:49:36..get in. I'll do that again.
0:49:37 > 0:49:40That's the hard part, remembering that step before the crash happens.
0:49:42 > 0:49:44Brett actually worked out exactly
0:49:44 > 0:49:46which mouse presses
0:49:46 > 0:49:48and keyboard presses were needed
0:49:48 > 0:49:50in which specific sequence
0:49:50 > 0:49:53to exactly identify how the crash happens.
0:49:56 > 0:49:59- So that's really helped us out. - Back...
0:49:59 > 0:50:01How did it feel, being congratulated
0:50:01 > 0:50:04by your bosses like that?
0:50:04 > 0:50:06Um... I dunno.
0:50:06 > 0:50:07Pleased!
0:50:13 > 0:50:15Is this the way to Ama-dildo?
0:50:15 > 0:50:19Encouraged by his meeting with occupational psychologist Nancy,
0:50:19 > 0:50:22Paul has an appointment with a photographic publisher
0:50:22 > 0:50:26to find out if he can make a living from the only activity
0:50:26 > 0:50:28that seems to calm his tics.
0:50:32 > 0:50:33Ha!
0:50:33 > 0:50:35Jehovah's Witnesses calling.
0:50:35 > 0:50:36Pull the door.
0:50:36 > 0:50:38Thank you very much. Ha-ha!
0:50:38 > 0:50:41We supply wall art to John Lewis,
0:50:41 > 0:50:44Oliver Bonas, Selfridges...
0:50:44 > 0:50:46All the major museums.
0:50:46 > 0:50:48If you go into the Tate or the National Gallery shop,
0:50:48 > 0:50:51those pictures would be coming from us.
0:50:51 > 0:50:54Ha! Hi. Ha!
0:50:54 > 0:50:57'Walking into that building, I was feeling intimidated.'
0:50:57 > 0:51:00If I say anything that's offensive, please... Ha! It's not intentional.
0:51:00 > 0:51:04'These guys make a living in one of the biggest cities in the world.
0:51:04 > 0:51:06'There's a lot of money going on here
0:51:06 > 0:51:09'and the work's going to have to be excellent quality.'
0:51:17 > 0:51:21I see lots and lots of artwork all the time,
0:51:21 > 0:51:23so a lot of it is instantly dismissible.
0:51:23 > 0:51:26These sort of nature shots
0:51:26 > 0:51:29would be more difficult for us to use.
0:51:29 > 0:51:32There's so many of this sort of thing out there.
0:51:32 > 0:51:34But...
0:51:34 > 0:51:37Ha! Ha! Ha!
0:51:37 > 0:51:39- Something like this...- Yeah.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42..is absolutely the sort of thing that you look for,
0:51:42 > 0:51:44particularly in a landscape.
0:51:44 > 0:51:47Sorry for interrupting, but this image is an image of my son
0:51:47 > 0:51:49and it's just that eye.
0:51:49 > 0:51:52Really powerful, it's a really powerful portrait.
0:51:52 > 0:51:54- I've had no training. - Looking at this, you don't need it.
0:51:54 > 0:51:57- You know, you're doing it in an intuitive way.- Right.
0:51:57 > 0:52:01I'm happy you said that, because it does a job as therapy for me,
0:52:01 > 0:52:03- but am I disillusioned...? - No, I don't think you are.
0:52:03 > 0:52:06There are some shots here that we would publish.
0:52:07 > 0:52:10We would love to see more. How much that pays
0:52:10 > 0:52:12depends on how well they sell.
0:52:12 > 0:52:15Given all your situation,
0:52:15 > 0:52:17you'd be mad not to pursue it
0:52:17 > 0:52:19- because there's a lot of talent here.- Yeah, thank you.
0:52:19 > 0:52:21There are a few things there
0:52:21 > 0:52:23that we'd be happy to publish immediately.
0:52:23 > 0:52:26I'd hone in probably on this sort of feel.
0:52:26 > 0:52:30And then we'd probably be looking for him to fill that body of work,
0:52:30 > 0:52:32make it a bigger portfolio.
0:52:32 > 0:52:34- Pleasure.- Really nice meeting you! - And you, too.
0:52:34 > 0:52:37I came here with stuff that was just a hobby for me,
0:52:37 > 0:52:38respite from my tics,
0:52:38 > 0:52:41and to find out that there's a possibility of being able to
0:52:41 > 0:52:45earn a living, provide for my family, I think it's fantastic.
0:52:45 > 0:52:48I really appreciate meeting you. Thanks for taking the time out.
0:52:48 > 0:52:50And he kissed me tenderly! Ooh!
0:52:50 > 0:52:52- See you later, kids, ha! - HE WHISTLES - Sorry!
0:52:52 > 0:52:58It's made me feel optimistic about the future, that there IS a future.
0:52:58 > 0:53:01So it's beyond my expectations, really, and I'm proper made up. Ha!
0:53:03 > 0:53:05Little tic dance there for you!
0:53:06 > 0:53:09Three pints of Coke and a bag of penis. Oof!
0:53:09 > 0:53:11Right. Hey, hey!
0:53:11 > 0:53:14Get it pointed at my house! Signing off.
0:53:24 > 0:53:26It's the last day of Brett's work trial.
0:53:26 > 0:53:28Due to his autism,
0:53:28 > 0:53:31he hasn't been able to communicate his thoughts to his colleagues.
0:53:31 > 0:53:33Before he leaves,
0:53:33 > 0:53:37he wants them to hear what the experience has meant to him.
0:53:37 > 0:53:40- INTERVIEWER:- How important is it that you impress your bosses here?
0:53:40 > 0:53:43Um... It's... really important. Um...
0:53:46 > 0:53:48I'm not going to get another chance like this.
0:53:53 > 0:53:56But for Brett, speaking to one person is hard enough,
0:53:56 > 0:53:58let alone a whole group.
0:53:58 > 0:54:01So his mum has come along for moral support.
0:54:01 > 0:54:05Brett is really nervous and I'm nervous too, for him.
0:54:05 > 0:54:07He'll probably be shaking inside.
0:54:11 > 0:54:13Right, um...
0:54:13 > 0:54:15Um...
0:54:15 > 0:54:17I have autism.
0:54:17 > 0:54:21There isn't anything different about me, I just think differently.
0:54:21 > 0:54:26Somehow, the unwritten rules of social communication have eluded me.
0:54:26 > 0:54:29While I've been made to feel very welcome here,
0:54:29 > 0:54:33this is really the only time that I have actually spoken.
0:54:33 > 0:54:36It's impossible for me not to feel some of the anxieties
0:54:36 > 0:54:38I've faced all my life.
0:54:38 > 0:54:40What has helped me enormously is the respect
0:54:40 > 0:54:43and kindness that I have been shown by everyone.
0:54:43 > 0:54:48One word amongst a thousand comes to mind - accepted.
0:54:52 > 0:54:54If I try to persist and write any more,
0:54:54 > 0:54:56I fear that I wouldn't be able to read it.
0:54:58 > 0:55:01I really want to work and to be part of a team
0:55:01 > 0:55:04and for the first time, I felt that I have been.
0:55:05 > 0:55:09I have big dreams and little qualifications and things that
0:55:09 > 0:55:12I have learned here will genuinely last me a lifetime, thank you.
0:55:23 > 0:55:26I had no idea what to expect when you pitched up.
0:55:27 > 0:55:29HE STIFLES A SOB
0:55:31 > 0:55:34A remarkable transformation in a few days.
0:55:36 > 0:55:38And THAT was incredible.
0:55:39 > 0:55:40Thank you.
0:55:40 > 0:55:42APPLAUSE
0:55:42 > 0:55:45We didn't know that was in there.
0:55:45 > 0:55:46We see the outside.
0:55:46 > 0:55:47(Well done!)
0:55:47 > 0:55:52But what's running on the inside is a considered, delicate...
0:55:53 > 0:55:55..bucketful of intelligence.
0:55:56 > 0:55:59Well done. That was a beautiful speech.
0:55:59 > 0:56:02Brett might have impressed his colleagues...
0:56:02 > 0:56:04Right, Brett, you've been with us for a couple of weeks...
0:56:04 > 0:56:08..but has he done enough to secure an actual job?
0:56:08 > 0:56:10How long have you been out of work?
0:56:10 > 0:56:13- Um, nearly eight years now. - Wow, OK.
0:56:13 > 0:56:15OK.
0:56:15 > 0:56:17Do you think you'd fit in here?
0:56:17 > 0:56:18Um,
0:56:18 > 0:56:21- I think I would, yes.- Yep?
0:56:21 > 0:56:24Well, there's a little bit of good news.
0:56:24 > 0:56:25Um...
0:56:25 > 0:56:27We'd like to offer you a job.
0:56:34 > 0:56:37- Um, sorry.- It's OK.
0:56:38 > 0:56:40How does that sound?
0:56:42 > 0:56:44I'd like it!
0:56:49 > 0:56:50Thank you!
0:56:51 > 0:56:55No need to thank me, Brett - this is about you.
0:56:55 > 0:56:57That's everything I want. Thank you.
0:56:59 > 0:57:01Our pleasure.
0:57:03 > 0:57:06I'm really happy. Shocked.
0:57:07 > 0:57:11- What difference does this make to your future?- Everything, really.
0:57:11 > 0:57:12Um...
0:57:14 > 0:57:18Cos I know that I need to try and get some independence and stuff.
0:57:22 > 0:57:24I think I'll be able to build confidence here.
0:57:24 > 0:57:27Oh, well done, yeah! Great news.
0:57:27 > 0:57:30To have somebody that has been out of work for eight years,
0:57:30 > 0:57:35that's got so much talent and skill, and to find a slot
0:57:35 > 0:57:38for somebody to come in and do a useful job of work...
0:57:38 > 0:57:41I think he'll find it rewarding and I know that WE will.
0:57:41 > 0:57:43- See you later, Brett.- Thank you.
0:57:45 > 0:57:48- Thanks!- OK, see you soon. - Take care, now. Safe journey.- Yep.
0:57:50 > 0:57:52Well chuffed!
0:57:57 > 0:58:01In five years' time, I see myself hopefully being in the same company
0:58:01 > 0:58:04and being able to say honestly that I like my job.
0:58:05 > 0:58:07Work is everything.