0:00:02 > 0:00:05This programme contains strong language
0:00:05 > 0:00:08I have literally never worked before in my life.
0:00:08 > 0:00:10- Ever?- Ever.
0:00:10 > 0:00:14How many jobs would you say you've applied for?
0:00:14 > 0:00:16Hundreds of jobs.
0:00:16 > 0:00:20- What was your last job? - Hey! Hey! Stripper.
0:00:21 > 0:00:23This interview is not going well.
0:00:23 > 0:00:27Employers always say they want candidates who think differently.
0:00:27 > 0:00:31But how much do they really mean it?
0:00:31 > 0:00:34- HE TICS - How important is it you find work?
0:00:34 > 0:00:37- HE TICS - I want to lead a normal life, like anybody else does.
0:00:37 > 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 > 0:00:47What do you think your biggest weakness is?
0:00:47 > 0:00:49I shave my pubes.
0:00:49 > 0:00:51SHE LAUGHS
0:00:52 > 0:00:55- That shouldn't be a problem in this job.- Good, thank you.
0:00:56 > 0:01:00In a world where the workplace is set up for the norm,
0:01:00 > 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 > 0:01:23The numbers just kept coming in the right order. Tick, tick, tick.
0:01:23 > 0:01:24How is she even doing that?
0:01:24 > 0:01:27Wow, I didn't see that coming. Goodness me.
0:01:27 > 0:01:31- That is so impressive.- ..and battle to overcome their challenges...
0:01:31 > 0:01:34This, I can't... I don't know how to control this.
0:01:34 > 0:01:36I'm hating this. This is so awkward.
0:01:36 > 0:01:37Hey! Hey! Hey!
0:01:37 > 0:01:40..to prove to employers how their difference...
0:01:40 > 0:01:42Trust in thine armour to succeed.
0:01:42 > 0:01:45..could actually be a strength.
0:01:45 > 0:01:46You think you'd fit in here?
0:01:46 > 0:01:49And when the job match is right...
0:01:49 > 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 TICS - It would mean the world.
0:02:01 > 0:02:06This programme contains some strong language.
0:02:06 > 0:02:08Meow. Meow.
0:02:15 > 0:02:19My name's Tom, I'm 27, and I'm from Staffordshire.
0:02:19 > 0:02:20How do you find interviews?
0:02:20 > 0:02:23- HE TICS - Stressful.
0:02:23 > 0:02:26HE TICS
0:02:30 > 0:02:33HE TICS
0:02:33 > 0:02:37Yeah, you can see people look at you sometimes and think, "What are you doing?"
0:02:37 > 0:02:41As if you are mad. For me, it's not the case.
0:02:41 > 0:02:43Obviously, I know I've got Tourette's.
0:02:43 > 0:02:47- What are your typical ticks? - BLEEP- off. That.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50I do both, I verbally tick and I motor tick.
0:02:51 > 0:02:53Meow. Meow.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Tom showed signs of Tourette's from the age of six,
0:02:56 > 0:03:00but he wasn't diagnosed until he was 15.
0:03:00 > 0:03:02I tap my nose, I tap my legs.
0:03:02 > 0:03:05I meow, which is quite a cool one. Meow.
0:03:05 > 0:03:08There's a lot of chicken related ticks at the moment,
0:03:08 > 0:03:10which are a bit interesting.
0:03:10 > 0:03:14Chicken. There are areas that intensify the ticks.
0:03:14 > 0:03:16If you're in a very public area...
0:03:16 > 0:03:19- HE TICS - People don't know I have Tourette's.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22Meow. When you know people are staring at you or pointing at you,
0:03:22 > 0:03:24that's hard, that's really hard.
0:03:24 > 0:03:25Meow.
0:03:27 > 0:03:28I'm gay.
0:03:28 > 0:03:31The pressures of the condition meant he struggled through school
0:03:31 > 0:03:34and had to drop out of university.
0:03:34 > 0:03:36I just thought I'd drop in a CV if that's possible.
0:03:36 > 0:03:40- I'll keep it on file and give you a call or something.- All right, brilliant. Thank you very much.
0:03:40 > 0:03:41Get out now.
0:03:43 > 0:03:45- Meow, chicken. - Why do you want to work?
0:03:45 > 0:03:48I want everything that normal people have.
0:03:48 > 0:03:51I want independence, I want to have my own place, my own flat,
0:03:51 > 0:03:54- what ever it is... - HE TICS
0:03:54 > 0:03:57..family and a chance to achieve in life what I believe I'm capable of.
0:03:57 > 0:04:00- Have you got any sort of qualifications?- Not as such.
0:04:00 > 0:04:01- Lifeguards or...- Not lifeguard, no.
0:04:01 > 0:04:03- Gym instructor or anything like that?- No, no.
0:04:03 > 0:04:07Do you think you've got something to offer an employer?
0:04:07 > 0:04:10- HE TICS - Yeah, I have, you know,
0:04:10 > 0:04:13all the basic skills that anyone would have, as well as the fact that
0:04:13 > 0:04:17it's harder for me to find a job means I want it even more.
0:04:17 > 0:04:20- Have you got any qualifications, HGV or...- No, I haven't.
0:04:20 > 0:04:23I need somebody to take a punt on me,
0:04:23 > 0:04:25so I can show people what I'm capable of.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29I'm willing to work my backside off to show that to someone.
0:04:29 > 0:04:30- BLEEP- off.
0:04:30 > 0:04:32Sorry. Sorry, sorry, sorry.
0:04:34 > 0:04:36HE TICS
0:04:36 > 0:04:38Spoon, spoon, spoon.
0:04:38 > 0:04:41At 27, Tom's still living at home with his parents,
0:04:41 > 0:04:42who support him financially.
0:04:42 > 0:04:45- How are you doing, Thomas? - I'm all right.
0:04:47 > 0:04:51- Right, jobs page. - No mind the- BLEEP- jobs.
0:04:51 > 0:04:54Dicky fish. Is definitely not the ad.
0:04:54 > 0:04:56HIS DAD LAUGHS
0:04:56 > 0:04:59Part-time, temporary administrator in an office,
0:04:59 > 0:05:02- not going to work.- No! No.
0:05:02 > 0:05:06Couldn't work in a quiet office because I know I couldn't be quiet.
0:05:06 > 0:05:08- And it's not because... - HE TICS
0:05:08 > 0:05:10And it's not because I feel bad for myself,
0:05:10 > 0:05:13I feel bad that I'd be disturbing everyone else,
0:05:13 > 0:05:14and that would make it worse.
0:05:14 > 0:05:17- HE TICS - But for me...
0:05:17 > 0:05:20But for me, that industry wouldn't work for me.
0:05:20 > 0:05:24- Cattery assistant.- Prepare and provide food and water for the cats.
0:05:24 > 0:05:27- Meow! Attend to...- Meow would fit.
0:05:27 > 0:05:29That's quite a fitting tick for that one, isn't it?
0:05:29 > 0:05:31I'd fit in a cattery quite well actually.
0:05:32 > 0:05:36It is actually deeply depressing looking through this, Tom, I have to say.
0:05:36 > 0:05:41- We need a very significant of faith from a potential employer...- Yeah.
0:05:41 > 0:05:42..not to see the downside.
0:05:42 > 0:05:45It is not to say I'm not a capable person, I am.
0:05:45 > 0:05:47HE TICS
0:05:47 > 0:05:50I'm as driven, I'm as committed and as hard-working as anybody else.
0:05:50 > 0:05:53And I want it as much as anybody else.
0:05:53 > 0:05:57What really gets me sometimes is the fact that,
0:05:57 > 0:05:59and it gets me really down sometimes,
0:05:59 > 0:06:03is the fact that I don't have a choice about having Tourette's.
0:06:03 > 0:06:06But I have got it. And the fact that someone is willing to go,
0:06:06 > 0:06:10- "Well, he's got Tourette's, I'm not going to take the risk," or... - HE TICS
0:06:10 > 0:06:13..not look through that barrier and think, "Actually,
0:06:13 > 0:06:18"what's he like as a person? You know, the CV says he can do it.
0:06:18 > 0:06:20"So, why don't we give him a shot?"
0:06:38 > 0:06:42Can you sum up your employment history so far?
0:06:42 > 0:06:43This is it.
0:06:46 > 0:06:47That's it.
0:06:47 > 0:06:51I have literally never worked before in my life.
0:06:55 > 0:06:58VACUUM CLEANER WHIRRS
0:07:00 > 0:07:0529-year-old Ashley has a form of autism called Asperger syndrome.
0:07:06 > 0:07:08He lives on his own in Liverpool.
0:07:08 > 0:07:12Well, this is my humble abode, my casa,
0:07:12 > 0:07:14my bachelor pad, if you will.
0:07:14 > 0:07:17It's not much, but it serves my needs.
0:07:21 > 0:07:25So, this is my living room. This is where I spend most of my time.
0:07:25 > 0:07:27One of the first things you'll notice
0:07:27 > 0:07:30is that it's completely purple.
0:07:30 > 0:07:33I, for one, like purple. It's my favourite colour.
0:07:33 > 0:07:37Purple is considered the colour of madness, for some reason.
0:07:37 > 0:07:40The colour and myself have something in common.
0:07:40 > 0:07:43We're unusual, something that's rarely seen,
0:07:43 > 0:07:45yet sadly misunderstood.
0:07:45 > 0:07:49Like many people with Asperger syndrome,
0:07:49 > 0:07:51Ashley has above-average intelligence,
0:07:51 > 0:07:54but he's never even been offered an interview.
0:07:54 > 0:07:58He occupies his mind with his very particular interests.
0:07:58 > 0:08:02Ever since I was very young, I have had this passion for...
0:08:02 > 0:08:04the Victorian era.
0:08:04 > 0:08:09Ashley's even turned his passion into a Victorian-inspired novel.
0:08:09 > 0:08:12"Balthazar Bazalgette had chocolate-brown hair
0:08:12 > 0:08:15"and a handlebar moustache so broad
0:08:15 > 0:08:17"it covered the width of his entire face."
0:08:17 > 0:08:19Is that you?
0:08:19 > 0:08:23Yes, I heavily based this character on myself, I don't deny it.
0:08:23 > 0:08:26"The planetary ring that circled his world
0:08:26 > 0:08:30"arched across the blue sky like a giant rainbow."
0:08:30 > 0:08:34And he spends hours memorising television sitcoms.
0:08:34 > 0:08:36Oh, Richie!
0:08:36 > 0:08:39Why didn't we just stay in Hammersmith?
0:08:39 > 0:08:42Because the police were after us, remember?
0:08:42 > 0:08:46Oh! Let's take in some ecstasy, you said. Remember?
0:08:46 > 0:08:49A nightmare 12-hour dance, we couldn't stop doing for 12...
0:08:49 > 0:08:50- BLEEP - ..hours. The fight,
0:08:50 > 0:08:53the ambulance, stealing the ambulance...
0:08:53 > 0:08:56DOORBELL RINGS
0:08:56 > 0:08:59- Hello, darling.- Hello, Mum. - How are you?- Um...
0:08:59 > 0:09:00somewhat OK.
0:09:00 > 0:09:05Ashley has just one regular visitor, his mum, Jan.
0:09:05 > 0:09:08I made some blackberry and apple crumbles for you for the weekend.
0:09:08 > 0:09:12She supports him financially and is determined
0:09:12 > 0:09:15to help him get his foot on the employment ladder.
0:09:15 > 0:09:17What would you say your strengths are?
0:09:17 > 0:09:21Highly creative, powerful imagination.
0:09:21 > 0:09:23And what would you say your weaknesses are?
0:09:23 > 0:09:25Tendency to obsess...
0:09:25 > 0:09:27Oh, hang on a minute.
0:09:27 > 0:09:29Oh, dustbins.
0:09:29 > 0:09:30Too late.
0:09:30 > 0:09:32JAN LAUGHS
0:09:32 > 0:09:33Oh, hang on.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41- Have the recycling people...? - Yeah, they must have been, yeah.- Oh!
0:09:43 > 0:09:45I just hate it when I don't get things right.
0:09:47 > 0:09:50I mean, I know it's just recycling bins, this is going to nag,
0:09:50 > 0:09:52and gnaw at me for the next two weeks.
0:09:52 > 0:09:53Oh, forgot, I'm not doing that...
0:09:53 > 0:09:56No. Oh, God, now it's going to be two weeks.
0:09:56 > 0:09:59I've been meaning to mark all the days of my calendar,
0:09:59 > 0:10:01- but I never got round to it.- Mm.
0:10:01 > 0:10:05You know, times like this, I feel like you're right,
0:10:05 > 0:10:07that I can't take care of myself.
0:10:15 > 0:10:20Ashley was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome when he was 12.
0:10:20 > 0:10:22There we go.
0:10:22 > 0:10:26But back when he was six, there was little sign of what was to come.
0:10:26 > 0:10:33We'd like to invite everyone to come on stage and have some fun!
0:10:33 > 0:10:36- JAN LAUGHS - He was so sweet.
0:10:38 > 0:10:41Didn't speak until he was...three.
0:10:42 > 0:10:45There's quite an autistic spectrum trait.
0:10:45 > 0:10:49And of course, Einstein didn't speak till he was three, either!
0:10:49 > 0:10:53- JAN LAUGHS - # Things we've done today!
0:10:53 > 0:10:55JAN SIGHS
0:10:55 > 0:10:57# Dream of the times... #
0:10:57 > 0:10:59We had so much hope for him, then.
0:10:59 > 0:11:03He was just full of life and now it's not worked out.
0:11:03 > 0:11:07I don't want him to end up depressed, alone,
0:11:07 > 0:11:12watching the TV as an old man, having done nothing with his life.
0:11:14 > 0:11:17There's so much he could do, and I really feel
0:11:17 > 0:11:19that if only he could get the chance
0:11:19 > 0:11:22and somebody could give him a break that he would be able to
0:11:22 > 0:11:26make something quite special out of his life.
0:11:30 > 0:11:33I'm not looking for a job for the next six months. Ah!
0:11:33 > 0:11:36I want a job where I can go into...ah!
0:11:36 > 0:11:40..and progress in something full-time with a career in it.
0:11:42 > 0:11:43Chicken fucker.
0:11:45 > 0:11:47Today could be a turning point for Tom.
0:11:47 > 0:11:50He's being assessed by Nancy Doyle,
0:11:50 > 0:11:53an occupational psychologist who specialises in uncovering
0:11:53 > 0:11:56the hidden talents of those on the neuro-diverse spectrum.
0:11:58 > 0:12:01- Hi. Nice to meet you.- Hi. Nancy. - Nice to meet you.- Nice to meet you.
0:12:01 > 0:12:02- Come in.- Thank you.
0:12:02 > 0:12:06Okey-dokey. What have you done since leaving school?
0:12:06 > 0:12:08Basically, due to the conditions, I kind of flitted...
0:12:08 > 0:12:10INDISTINCT
0:12:10 > 0:12:13- ..other.- Mm-hm.- I couldn't... settle down at anything.
0:12:13 > 0:12:17Failed at pretty much everything I put my hand to.
0:12:17 > 0:12:20And struggled, confidence-wise, massively doing anything.
0:12:22 > 0:12:26'It's very common for people with Tourette's to have low self-esteem,'
0:12:26 > 0:12:29- kind of be hiding themselves away a little bit.- Chicken...
0:12:29 > 0:12:32What I want to do with Tom is really spend a lot of time
0:12:32 > 0:12:35putting that to one side and saying, what are your abilities?
0:12:35 > 0:12:39OK, so the first test is testing working memory.
0:12:39 > 0:12:41I'm going to read a sequence of numbers
0:12:41 > 0:12:44and you say them in reverse order.
0:12:44 > 0:12:47- Meow.- Six, five....
0:12:47 > 0:12:49- eight.- Eight, one.
0:12:49 > 0:12:53- Oh, that one's gone. - That one's gone.- Yeah. - TOM SMACKS HIS LIPS
0:12:53 > 0:12:55Just because one area of the brain isn't working well
0:12:55 > 0:12:57doesn't mean the rest of it is affected.
0:12:57 > 0:13:00The rest of the brain could be doing absolutely brilliant things,
0:13:00 > 0:13:02we just haven't been paying attention to it.
0:13:02 > 0:13:05- That's it. And that's the hardest one.- Bloody hell.
0:13:05 > 0:13:08- We're just going to do a general knowledge test.- Yeah.
0:13:08 > 0:13:11And this is kind of measuring how well you take in information
0:13:11 > 0:13:14- and retain it.- Yeah. - What animal group is a spider?
0:13:14 > 0:13:15An arachnid.
0:13:15 > 0:13:17What is the speed of light?
0:13:17 > 0:13:21- 186,000 miles per second?- Yes.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24- HE STIFLES LAUGHTER - The next one is a verbal task.
0:13:24 > 0:13:28- Right. - In what way are steam and fog alike?
0:13:28 > 0:13:30They're both water. Gaseous water.
0:13:30 > 0:13:35- Meow.- In what way is hibernation and migration alike?
0:13:35 > 0:13:39They're both methods at which animals deal with the seasons,
0:13:39 > 0:13:43in the sense that bears will go and hibernate through the winter,
0:13:43 > 0:13:47whereas water buffalo will migrate to find different pastures.
0:13:47 > 0:13:49- TOM BLOWS A RASPBERRY - Wonderful. Thank you, Tom.
0:13:49 > 0:13:50That was really intense.
0:13:50 > 0:13:52- Yeah. - THEY LAUGH
0:13:52 > 0:13:54- You are all done.- Ooh.
0:13:54 > 0:13:57OK, so when we take an aggregate
0:13:57 > 0:14:00of these three verbal comprehension scores,
0:14:00 > 0:14:04- what we find is that your verbal IQ is 136.- Yeah.
0:14:04 > 0:14:08Which is in the top 1%. You're on the 99th percentile.
0:14:08 > 0:14:11I read a study a few years ago which showed that the average IQ
0:14:11 > 0:14:14- of somebody doing a degree was 112...- Mm.
0:14:14 > 0:14:18- ..and the average IQ of somebody with a PhD was 125.- Mm-hm.
0:14:18 > 0:14:21- So I hope that kind of puts into context for you...- Yeah.
0:14:21 > 0:14:23..your score of 136.
0:14:23 > 0:14:26- That is how unusual it is.- Wow.
0:14:27 > 0:14:29That does put it into context, doesn't it?
0:14:29 > 0:14:31- It makes you think, definitely makes you think.- Yeah.
0:14:31 > 0:14:33With perceptual reasoning,
0:14:33 > 0:14:35that was all the stuff about shapes and patterns...
0:14:35 > 0:14:37- Spatial awareness and stuff.- Yes.
0:14:37 > 0:14:41Your IQ was 117, which is in the top 13%.
0:14:41 > 0:14:44- So again, very, very high.- Pff!
0:14:44 > 0:14:49Now with working memory, IQ was 95, processing speed, the IQ was 97.
0:14:49 > 0:14:52- Yeah.- That's just in this sort of range, here...
0:14:52 > 0:14:54This is where I expected to suffer.
0:14:54 > 0:14:57In terms of your condition, the amount of space
0:14:57 > 0:15:00that your brain has to process...
0:15:00 > 0:15:03er, small, minute, detailed...
0:15:03 > 0:15:06tasks like that is compromised by
0:15:06 > 0:15:09the amount of effort you're putting into managing your ticks.
0:15:09 > 0:15:12So you might not seem as truly bright as you are, to start with.
0:15:12 > 0:15:15That's probably why I've flitted from one thing to the other,
0:15:15 > 0:15:17cos I wasn't doing as well as I thought or it didn't go quite
0:15:17 > 0:15:20to plan and I thought, maybe this is the wrong place.
0:15:20 > 0:15:21- We need to get you to fly.- Yeah.
0:15:21 > 0:15:24- Because the world can only benefit from you...- Potential is..
0:15:24 > 0:15:27- ..working at the capacity of your strengths.- Yeah.
0:15:27 > 0:15:31Verbal comprehension skills really do lend themselves to
0:15:31 > 0:15:34coaching and teaching and training and that sort of thing.
0:15:34 > 0:15:37- I think you have a natural aptitude for that.- Thank you.
0:15:39 > 0:15:41TOM BLOWS RASPBERRIES
0:15:41 > 0:15:44What she said is to get where my brain is actually
0:15:44 > 0:15:45capable of getting to...
0:15:45 > 0:15:46HE YELPS
0:15:46 > 0:15:49..you might start off slow sometimes in some things,
0:15:49 > 0:15:51but if you persist, you will soon start to rocket up
0:15:51 > 0:15:53to your full potential.
0:15:53 > 0:15:57- You've never actually acknowledged your strengths.- No.
0:15:57 > 0:16:00- We've all known they're there.- Yeah. - And you've used them,
0:16:00 > 0:16:02but you've never actually admitted that you've got them,
0:16:02 > 0:16:05to yourself, stopping yourself going, I can't, I can't, I can't.
0:16:05 > 0:16:09- Actually, I can. - Actually I can do this.- You know?
0:16:11 > 0:16:12- Knowing I've this... - TOM YELPS
0:16:12 > 0:16:14- RISING PITCH - ..academic ability...
0:16:14 > 0:16:18Pff! Makes me sort of think that maybe going back
0:16:18 > 0:16:20and studying,
0:16:20 > 0:16:24with the aim to get into a career in an industry that I'm interested in
0:16:24 > 0:16:26is possible.
0:16:26 > 0:16:29So, massive, massive, massive confidence boost.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39You ever see that old footage of one of the early experiments
0:16:39 > 0:16:43in space travel, when the rocket clears the launchpad,
0:16:43 > 0:16:46it soars up into the sky for a little a while,
0:16:46 > 0:16:49but then something goes wrong,
0:16:49 > 0:16:54it curls back down to Earth, crashes and explodes in a huge fireball?
0:16:54 > 0:16:59That went infinitely better than my job search.
0:17:02 > 0:17:06Ashley's lack of work experience after completing his education
0:17:06 > 0:17:10has left his CV unappealing to prospective employers.
0:17:11 > 0:17:16This section is skills and achievements. "Creative writing,
0:17:16 > 0:17:20"attention to detail, highly intelligent,
0:17:20 > 0:17:22"excellent memory."
0:17:22 > 0:17:27"Interests - Victorian history, movies, and magic."
0:17:28 > 0:17:31In desperation, Ashley has applied for anything
0:17:31 > 0:17:33and everything to get on the employment ladder.
0:17:33 > 0:17:37Out of between 80 and 100 applications,
0:17:37 > 0:17:39petrol station attendant,
0:17:39 > 0:17:41warehouse worker, a bingo caller,
0:17:41 > 0:17:44not once did I even make it to the interview stage.
0:17:44 > 0:17:49If it weren't for the money that my parents gave me
0:17:49 > 0:17:52I would end up completely destitute in a very short time.
0:17:52 > 0:17:58I feel like I'm this useless, worthless person...
0:17:58 > 0:18:01and my CV is this little,
0:18:01 > 0:18:04little tiny thing, trying to contend with the big boys.
0:18:09 > 0:18:11To help turn his job hunt around,
0:18:11 > 0:18:15Ashley's travelling to Cambridge to meet an authority in autism.
0:18:15 > 0:18:19If I take advice from this expert it might be advantageous,
0:18:19 > 0:18:23cos I've always thought you should defer to the experts.
0:18:26 > 0:18:29- Professor Simon Baron-Cohen... - Hello, Ashley.
0:18:29 > 0:18:33..director of the autism centre in Cambridge, has dedicated
0:18:33 > 0:18:36over 20 years to researching the condition.
0:18:36 > 0:18:38It's a depressing statistic
0:18:38 > 0:18:41that only 15% of people with autism
0:18:41 > 0:18:43are in full-time work.
0:18:43 > 0:18:45It's time for employers to recognise
0:18:45 > 0:18:49people with these conditions can really contribute to the workplace.
0:18:49 > 0:18:53When I met you, you were wearing a top hat.
0:18:53 > 0:18:56Yes, ever since I was little, I've loved the look
0:18:56 > 0:18:59- and the style of the Victorian era. - Right, OK.
0:18:59 > 0:19:02My childhood hero was Isambard Kingdom Brunel.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06I like to call him the Da Vinci of the industrial age.
0:19:06 > 0:19:09Very interesting. I can hear you've got a really good mind.
0:19:09 > 0:19:12- How did you tell that?- Because you describe things very carefully.
0:19:12 > 0:19:18It's a mind that prefers precision and order.
0:19:18 > 0:19:21People with autism often have obsessions,
0:19:21 > 0:19:23it's actually part of the diagnosis,
0:19:23 > 0:19:26where they become fascinated by one particular topic.
0:19:26 > 0:19:31'The word obsession sounds like it's not very positive.'
0:19:31 > 0:19:34But actually, we could think of it as an area of expertise.
0:19:34 > 0:19:37What I'd like to hear about next is a little bit
0:19:37 > 0:19:39about your situation. Have you been looking for work?
0:19:39 > 0:19:42- You know that expression, getting your foot in the door?- Yes.
0:19:42 > 0:19:46I couldn't even get the door to open to get my foot in.
0:19:46 > 0:19:50So that's demoralising, not even to get to the interview stage.
0:19:50 > 0:19:52I just wish someone could tell me what I'm doing wrong.
0:19:52 > 0:19:54Yes, so you're not getting any feedback.
0:19:54 > 0:19:57You have to have experience to get any kind of job at all.
0:19:57 > 0:20:01Employers might exclude someone with Asperger syndrome,
0:20:01 > 0:20:04believing that they're not able to do the job,
0:20:04 > 0:20:06when they're actually missing the potential.
0:20:06 > 0:20:10Researchers are beginning to start focusing on the positive sides
0:20:10 > 0:20:14of autism and actually I've brought along some tests today
0:20:14 > 0:20:17to reveal some of those strengths.
0:20:17 > 0:20:19- You know what this is?- Do you?
0:20:19 > 0:20:22- I would call it a paperclip.- Yes.
0:20:22 > 0:20:24What else could we use it for?
0:20:25 > 0:20:30A recent study asked people to find alternative uses for an object,
0:20:30 > 0:20:33'such as a paperclip, and they found people with autistic traits
0:20:33 > 0:20:38'were more likely to come up with more unusual uses for that object.'
0:20:38 > 0:20:40S, for Simon.
0:20:40 > 0:20:42- That was very quick. - Hang on, hang on.- Yes.
0:20:42 > 0:20:45HE MAKES BEEPING NOISES
0:20:45 > 0:20:49- What's that?- Morse code. - Morse code. Right.
0:20:49 > 0:20:51Dive, dive.
0:20:51 > 0:20:53Roll over, roll over.
0:20:53 > 0:20:54Yes.
0:20:54 > 0:20:56- HE SINGS - # Dum, do, do, do
0:20:56 > 0:20:58# Do, do, do
0:20:58 > 0:21:01- # Bound by a key. # - SIMON LAUGHS
0:21:01 > 0:21:05So, I would say that you saw many more uses than most people would.
0:21:05 > 0:21:10You demonstrate your creativity. It was almost unstoppable, actually.
0:21:10 > 0:21:14That could be another real advantage for an employer.
0:21:14 > 0:21:15That was amazing.
0:21:18 > 0:21:22'I generally think I managed to impress him in some respects.'
0:21:22 > 0:21:23I like that.
0:21:24 > 0:21:28He was definitely of the opinion that Asperger syndrome
0:21:28 > 0:21:32isn't something that should prevent employers from employing you,
0:21:32 > 0:21:36or prevent people from seeing what you can do.
0:21:36 > 0:21:41If Ashley could find a job where he could use his very good language,
0:21:41 > 0:21:43his fascination with Victoriana
0:21:43 > 0:21:46and his presenting skills, that would be really good.
0:21:47 > 0:21:50'If I could just get in front of an employer,
0:21:50 > 0:21:53'show him what I'm capable of,
0:21:53 > 0:21:57'then I think I would have a real shot at getting a job.'
0:21:59 > 0:22:02If you put a glass under a tap of water
0:22:02 > 0:22:05and it's filling up, filling up, filling up, filling up,
0:22:05 > 0:22:07eventually it's going to overflow.
0:22:07 > 0:22:09- HIGH PITCHED - You know?! You know you're going to tick
0:22:09 > 0:22:12and you can hold it in for a certain period of time, but eventually...
0:22:12 > 0:22:14it's going to come out.
0:22:15 > 0:22:17Right, I'm off.
0:22:17 > 0:22:19OK, darling. Good luck.
0:22:19 > 0:22:20Thank you. See you later. Thank you.
0:22:20 > 0:22:24On the advice of occupational psychologist Nancy,
0:22:24 > 0:22:26Tom's trying a new career avenue.
0:22:26 > 0:22:30- Meow.- He's starting a two-day trial at a school
0:22:30 > 0:22:33to see if he could put his superior verbal comprehension skills
0:22:33 > 0:22:35to good use through teaching.
0:22:35 > 0:22:39'Having had the test analysis and working out what I was good at
0:22:39 > 0:22:41'and what I was better at...'
0:22:41 > 0:22:43Morning. You all right?
0:22:43 > 0:22:44HE TICS
0:22:44 > 0:22:47..a job role, working with children, working with people,
0:22:47 > 0:22:51was definitely something she said would be a good career step for me.
0:22:51 > 0:22:54So coming here today, I can see how good I am at using those skills.
0:22:54 > 0:22:56- I'm a bit nervous... - HE TICS
0:22:56 > 0:22:59'This environment is definitely the unknown.'
0:22:59 > 0:23:02- Morning, Tom. Would you like to come along?- Yes, thank you.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06Pauline Carmichael is principal of Walton Hall Academy,
0:23:06 > 0:23:09a school for children with learning difficulties.
0:23:09 > 0:23:12- You're looking a bit nervous this morning.- A little bit, yeah.
0:23:12 > 0:23:14I've done a timetable for you,
0:23:14 > 0:23:16just so you know what today's going to bring for you,
0:23:16 > 0:23:20- what time of day things are going to be happening. - TOM MUMBLES
0:23:20 > 0:23:23You're going to be with year seven, mainly. Well, right the way through.
0:23:23 > 0:23:26- Mm-hm.- I'm sure you'll have a fab time.- I'm looking forward to it.
0:23:26 > 0:23:29I'm a bit nervous, but I'm looking forward to it.
0:23:29 > 0:23:31For his first day, Tom will be assessed on how well
0:23:31 > 0:23:36he uses his skills to give learning support to a class of 11-year-olds.
0:23:36 > 0:23:38Good morning, year seven.
0:23:38 > 0:23:41- Morning.- Tom, do you want to say hello to everybody?
0:23:41 > 0:23:42Yes, hello, guys.
0:23:42 > 0:23:44I'm here today to do a little bit of work with you
0:23:44 > 0:23:46and I have a condition called Tourette's syndrome.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49The condition makes me make funny noises and things like that,
0:23:49 > 0:23:52so if you do hear anything, don't worry too much about it.
0:23:52 > 0:23:54I make funny noises sometimes.
0:23:54 > 0:23:56Peas in a pod then, aren't we?
0:23:56 > 0:23:59If he does have the right skills for the job,
0:23:59 > 0:24:03he'll need to return to studying to make it his career.
0:24:03 > 0:24:06We're going to name the part of the...chicken, I think.
0:24:06 > 0:24:09But this is the first time Tom's been in a classroom
0:24:09 > 0:24:11since he left school.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14'It was difficult at school with teachers.'
0:24:14 > 0:24:17They didn't believe that I couldn't control it.
0:24:17 > 0:24:20- RISING PITCH - You know what I mean? They thought I was taking the mick.
0:24:20 > 0:24:23'The teachers used to make me sit on my hands because I couldn't sit still.
0:24:23 > 0:24:25'That was difficult.'
0:24:25 > 0:24:29When you look back on it. The fact that, ahhhh...
0:24:29 > 0:24:33'the people that are there to inspire you, take care of you and give you the best shot...'
0:24:33 > 0:24:36didn't do that.
0:24:36 > 0:24:39Now I want to show people that I can work and work hard
0:24:39 > 0:24:42and achieve in whatever I do.
0:24:42 > 0:24:44Tom, what problem have you got again?
0:24:44 > 0:24:47- It's like a problem with my brain... - Yeah.
0:24:47 > 0:24:50..and it makes me make funny noises and do funny things,
0:24:50 > 0:24:52like funny sounds...
0:24:52 > 0:24:56And I can't stop it, I can't, um, control it.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59- Funny sounds? - Yeah, so I might go...
0:24:59 > 0:25:01- BLOWS A RASPBERRY - ..or squeak a little bit.
0:25:01 > 0:25:02- Have you noticed that one?- Yeah.
0:25:02 > 0:25:04It's a bit weird, isn't it? A bit crazy.
0:25:04 > 0:25:06- Yeah.- Crazy, crazy, crazy.
0:25:06 > 0:25:10I'm glad I haven't got the problem that Tom's got.
0:25:10 > 0:25:13Yeah. It's a bit of an odd one, that's for sure.
0:25:13 > 0:25:16- Can't be helped though, Tom. - No, it can't be helped,
0:25:16 > 0:25:18you're right, mate. You're absolutely spot on.
0:25:18 > 0:25:21'The kids are absolutely amazing.'
0:25:21 > 0:25:23- HIGH PITCHED - So...
0:25:23 > 0:25:25so friendly, so welcoming, the staff are as well.
0:25:25 > 0:25:27'I hope I'm doing a good job at the moment.
0:25:27 > 0:25:30'I feel like I'm giving it as best I can, trying to get stuck in.'
0:25:30 > 0:25:32I've spoken to the staff that you've been supporting.
0:25:32 > 0:25:35- Yeah.- And you've had empathy with the students,
0:25:35 > 0:25:39- you've supported them, so it's been really positive feedback.- Good.
0:25:39 > 0:25:42- If we can put you in a slightly different role tomorrow...- Yeah.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46..what I would like to do is to take the year seven PE session,
0:25:46 > 0:25:48do the whole lesson, you would need to plan that.
0:25:48 > 0:25:53- Yeah.- I don't expect you just to go in there and do it.- Right, OK.
0:25:53 > 0:25:56Running a PE lesson will help Tom decide
0:25:56 > 0:25:59if a career in teaching is really for him.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01- Hello.- Hi!
0:26:01 > 0:26:05- How did you get on? - It was really...eye-opening day.
0:26:05 > 0:26:06It's totally different.
0:26:06 > 0:26:08- TOM TICS - Yeah, yeah, for sure,
0:26:08 > 0:26:10just a totally different experience.
0:26:10 > 0:26:12I've got a bit more of a challenge tomorrow, so...
0:26:12 > 0:26:14- What are you doing tomorrow?- Um...
0:26:14 > 0:26:16- TOM TICS - ..taking PE lesson.
0:26:16 > 0:26:20I've got a few ideas in my head, but I don't know yet.
0:26:20 > 0:26:22I need to sit down and write it, I'm not a person who can...
0:26:22 > 0:26:25I need to write it down, I can't just think of it in my head
0:26:25 > 0:26:28and tell people what I'm thinking, I've never been able to do that.
0:26:28 > 0:26:31It is a big deal, cos it's not something you've ever done before.
0:26:31 > 0:26:33- It's quite a big responsibility.- Mm.
0:26:33 > 0:26:34So, I've got to get it right.
0:26:36 > 0:26:39'I think it's important that Tom gets his foot on the ladder
0:26:39 > 0:26:41'for a career path.
0:26:41 > 0:26:44'I'd like him to really fulfil his potential,
0:26:44 > 0:26:47'because if he doesn't, he's going to be doing work that I think'
0:26:47 > 0:26:50- will frustrate him...- Mm.
0:26:50 > 0:26:54..but he is very anxious, very wound up,
0:26:54 > 0:26:56it's a side of Thomas that very few people see,
0:26:56 > 0:26:59because he keeps it very well hidden.
0:26:59 > 0:27:00Yes, I think that's true.
0:27:00 > 0:27:05He allows sometimes those little nerves to get in the way
0:27:05 > 0:27:07of what is a very talented young man.
0:27:07 > 0:27:09Fucking hell.
0:27:12 > 0:27:15What sort of job would I NOT want to do?
0:27:16 > 0:27:18Erm....
0:27:19 > 0:27:22Well, if it were something to do with adult entertainment,
0:27:22 > 0:27:25then no, I would not be comfortable in that at all.
0:27:32 > 0:27:35Following Professor Baron-Cohen's advice, Ashley's targeting
0:27:35 > 0:27:39local businesses that would benefit from his creative mind
0:27:39 > 0:27:42and obsessive interest in Victorian history.
0:27:44 > 0:27:45Good day, sir.
0:27:45 > 0:27:47All right? Good day to you.
0:27:47 > 0:27:50I'm sorry to trouble you, this may seem awkward,
0:27:50 > 0:27:53but I have a passion for all things old and antique.
0:27:53 > 0:27:55I've been a admirer of the Victorian era
0:27:55 > 0:27:57ever since I was very little.
0:27:57 > 0:28:00'Sometimes I think it is a little hard to sell myself'
0:28:00 > 0:28:02'because I don't always know...'
0:28:02 > 0:28:05which strengths I need to focus on.
0:28:05 > 0:28:08I've always been a big lover of literature.
0:28:08 > 0:28:12In fact, I hope to be a professional author some day.
0:28:12 > 0:28:16- I'm very happy to have a look at your CV.- Oh, thank you very much.
0:28:16 > 0:28:20A local auction house is high on Ashley's list
0:28:20 > 0:28:22of potential workplaces.
0:28:22 > 0:28:24- Hello, sir.- Hello.
0:28:24 > 0:28:27Would you think you would have an interest working in an auction room?
0:28:27 > 0:28:31Ever since I was very little, I've had an interest in older things,
0:28:31 > 0:28:33particularly from the Victorian era.
0:28:33 > 0:28:34I have a small collection
0:28:34 > 0:28:37of antique-styled furnishings in my house.
0:28:37 > 0:28:39OK, so you know, perhaps a little bit about it.
0:28:39 > 0:28:42- Tell me a little bit about yourself.- OK.
0:28:42 > 0:28:45I have Asperger syndrome. Do you know what that is?
0:28:45 > 0:28:50- I don't, but that really won't... - It's a neurological condition.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54- I'm not ill...- No...- ..it's just my brain works slightly differently.
0:28:54 > 0:28:58That's not a problem. How are you physically for lifting objects?
0:28:58 > 0:29:01I'm not...no circus strongman,
0:29:01 > 0:29:04but I don't have arthritis or a bad back or anything.
0:29:04 > 0:29:07No, good, that's quite important because the days do start
0:29:07 > 0:29:11at 8.30 in the morning and we finish at 4.30 in the evening.
0:29:11 > 0:29:14- When do you start again? - 8.30 in the morning.- Ah, right.
0:29:15 > 0:29:17I think what I'd like to do,
0:29:17 > 0:29:21I'd like to have you with us for a few days to see how you get on.
0:29:21 > 0:29:25- Yes, I would be very amenable to having some work experience.- Right.
0:29:25 > 0:29:29If you give me work experience here, I will become determined
0:29:29 > 0:29:31to do the very best I can at it.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34OK. All right, well, I don't think we could ask any more than that.
0:29:34 > 0:29:38If you present yourself here tomorrow morning at 8.30,
0:29:38 > 0:29:40we'll see how we get on...
0:29:40 > 0:29:428.30, right.
0:29:42 > 0:29:45This will be Ashley's first step into the world of work
0:29:45 > 0:29:49and if he impresses, it could lead to a regular job.
0:29:49 > 0:29:52I don't think we've ever advertised for anybody.
0:29:52 > 0:29:55Everybody here, they just come in looking for jobs.
0:29:55 > 0:29:57I quite like people like that,
0:29:57 > 0:30:01because they've made the decision to go out to work, to find something.
0:30:01 > 0:30:05'I was surprised when he invited me to start tomorrow.'
0:30:05 > 0:30:09Actually, I'm a little worried about that, cos I have to be here at 8.30,
0:30:09 > 0:30:13and...I'm not used to, frankly, I'm not used to getting up that early.
0:30:22 > 0:30:25To find out if teaching is the right career for him,
0:30:25 > 0:30:31Tom's been given the task of taking today's year seven PE class.
0:30:31 > 0:30:34And he's spent the night preparing for it.
0:30:34 > 0:30:35Get out of town.
0:30:36 > 0:30:39- TOM TICS - I went to bed stressed...
0:30:39 > 0:30:41and then woke up stressed...
0:30:42 > 0:30:44'Does make the Tourette's a bit worse, because...
0:30:44 > 0:30:47'stress and Tourette's don't go hand in hand.
0:30:47 > 0:30:50'You worry too much, you overthink things.'
0:30:50 > 0:30:52As long as his Tourette's doesn't interfere,
0:30:52 > 0:30:57PE teaching could utilise Tom's verbal and visual spatial skills.
0:30:57 > 0:31:00- Do you need anything else?- No, I've got everything else that I need.
0:31:00 > 0:31:03- Yeah.- You want me to run you through what I was going to do?- Yeah.
0:31:03 > 0:31:05So, I'm going to get them into two groups,
0:31:05 > 0:31:07one starting on each set of mats...
0:31:07 > 0:31:11'There's an underlying anxiety issue with Tourette's.
0:31:11 > 0:31:14'I don't want to slip up, or shout, "F off",
0:31:14 > 0:31:16'that kind of stuff, in front of a load of kids.
0:31:16 > 0:31:21'Definitely have to think about suppressing ticks, if you think something rude's going to come out,
0:31:21 > 0:31:23'or you're going to swear, or, whatever,
0:31:23 > 0:31:26'you have to be very careful what you say and where you say it.'
0:31:26 > 0:31:29- Who's teaching us? - I'm teaching you this lesson.
0:31:29 > 0:31:32We're going to do a game, you said you wanted to do a game,
0:31:32 > 0:31:35- so we're going to do some games today.- Brilliant!- Yeah?
0:31:35 > 0:31:38What I want you guys to do, one behind the other, is line up.
0:31:38 > 0:31:41What the person at the back of the line is going to do is to go,
0:31:41 > 0:31:43crawl between the legs of everybody else
0:31:43 > 0:31:46and when he gets to the front, he's going to stand up...
0:31:46 > 0:31:47Tom is expected to lead the class
0:31:47 > 0:31:50for the duration of the 50-minute session.
0:31:50 > 0:31:52And it's the first team to get all their team members
0:31:52 > 0:31:54to the end of the mats, all right?
0:31:54 > 0:31:55One, two, three, go!
0:31:57 > 0:32:00That's it. Careful, Isaac. Nice one.
0:32:00 > 0:32:03Nice one. No, wait. Like this, like this.
0:32:03 > 0:32:06No, stand in the front, stand in the front, stand in the front.
0:32:06 > 0:32:10- Just there. Just there. - Can we start again?- What's up, mate?
0:32:10 > 0:32:13- Because when people come through, but then...- The person...
0:32:13 > 0:32:16When everyone's been, you start again.
0:32:16 > 0:32:18I should have explained it better.
0:32:18 > 0:32:22- OK.- Just play another game cos I've already had a go.
0:32:22 > 0:32:25Ten minutes in and the lesson isn't quite going according to
0:32:25 > 0:32:28Tom's carefully prepared plan.
0:32:28 > 0:32:30It's hard to think on your feet cos 90% of the time,
0:32:30 > 0:32:35I'm concentrating on no... No... Not ticking and getting my words out,
0:32:35 > 0:32:37so people understand what they've got to do.
0:32:37 > 0:32:40It's hard to think about everything else that comes with running a lesson.
0:32:40 > 0:32:43We'll play a different game. I've got another plan.
0:32:43 > 0:32:45Rhys wants to play another game.
0:32:45 > 0:32:48So, what I want everyone to do is make a circle for me.
0:32:48 > 0:32:52Make a circle. OK. So, move your arms over each other.
0:32:52 > 0:32:54'Cos the condition is so intrusive in the mind...'
0:32:54 > 0:32:57This hasn't worked as well as I thought it would.
0:32:57 > 0:32:59..and you end up having like a brain overload
0:32:59 > 0:33:01because you've got so much to think about.
0:33:01 > 0:33:04As well as trying to control the ticks.
0:33:08 > 0:33:12That is way harder than it looks, mate. Totally different scenario.
0:33:12 > 0:33:14Oh...
0:33:16 > 0:33:19Tom has managed to complete the lesson
0:33:19 > 0:33:22and control most of his ticks, but it's left him exhausted
0:33:22 > 0:33:26and questioning whether he could do this full-time.
0:33:26 > 0:33:30It's very, very difficult for me. It wasn't an ideal situation...
0:33:30 > 0:33:32HE TICS
0:33:32 > 0:33:35I really need to go away, do some more delving into
0:33:35 > 0:33:40what my options are, make sure that I follow the right career path.
0:33:47 > 0:33:49Morning.
0:33:49 > 0:33:51How are you?
0:33:51 > 0:33:52Terrible.
0:33:52 > 0:33:54It's nearly eight in the morning
0:33:54 > 0:33:57and the first day of Ashley's work trial.
0:33:57 > 0:34:00He needs to be there in just half an hour.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02Let me just get my socks on.
0:34:09 > 0:34:13If he performs well, he could prove that he is ready for employment
0:34:13 > 0:34:16and make that first step to a full-time job.
0:34:18 > 0:34:21- Thank you.- Hey. Are you OK? - No, not really.
0:34:24 > 0:34:27- Good morning, Ashley. - Good morning to you, sir.
0:34:27 > 0:34:30- How are you doing this morning? - Not very well.
0:34:30 > 0:34:32I didn't get much sleep last night.
0:34:32 > 0:34:35Just don't know if I'll be able to function.
0:34:35 > 0:34:37Like many people with Asperger Syndrome,
0:34:37 > 0:34:39Ashley is often brutally honest.
0:34:39 > 0:34:43Nobody has actually ever said to me within three minutes of being here,
0:34:43 > 0:34:48"I'm tired," and quite obviously doesn't feel up to working today.
0:34:48 > 0:34:50Doesn't go down terribly well.
0:34:50 > 0:34:54Well, at least working here, there's no shortage of chairs.
0:34:58 > 0:35:02Today, Ashley is joining a removal team to help clear
0:35:02 > 0:35:05a flat of possessions to be auctioned off later in the week.
0:35:17 > 0:35:20- I have to ask, where did you get that hat from?- I...
0:35:20 > 0:35:22I don't remember.
0:35:22 > 0:35:24Reminds me of, er...
0:35:24 > 0:35:26- Sherlock Holmes. - Sherlock Holmes, yeah.
0:35:26 > 0:35:28Well, that's the hat Sherlock Holmes wore,
0:35:28 > 0:35:32but they're called deerstalkers, not Sherlock Holmes hats.
0:35:39 > 0:35:42Each item must be assessed for value and catalogued.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46But Ashley's condition means that he can lack initiative
0:35:46 > 0:35:48in certain situations and he struggles
0:35:48 > 0:35:50without direct instruction.
0:35:51 > 0:35:53Er...
0:35:56 > 0:35:59- Shall I show you how to do this, Ashley?- Do what?
0:35:59 > 0:36:01We have to go round and make a detailed inventory
0:36:01 > 0:36:04of everything in the house that we're taking.
0:36:04 > 0:36:07So the next number would be number 10. A canteen of cutlery.
0:36:07 > 0:36:11That sticker then goes on to the front of the canteen.
0:36:11 > 0:36:14- So, up here?- That'll do, fantastic. Yeah.
0:36:14 > 0:36:16The next one can be...
0:36:16 > 0:36:18It's going to be number 11, which will be the chairs.
0:36:18 > 0:36:20Pair of chairs...
0:36:20 > 0:36:22OK.
0:36:22 > 0:36:23Luckily for Ashley,
0:36:23 > 0:36:27his condition brings with it a gift for attention to detail.
0:36:27 > 0:36:30- Black leather reclining chair. - Brilliant.
0:36:30 > 0:36:33Perfect for categorising furniture.
0:36:33 > 0:36:35A black square chair.
0:36:36 > 0:36:40- Black and chrome chairs.- Black and chrome chairs, that's perfect.
0:36:40 > 0:36:43'There's something satisfying about following the rules,
0:36:43 > 0:36:45'knowing exactly what to do.
0:36:45 > 0:36:48'There's something calming in following procedure.'
0:36:48 > 0:36:52This morning, I thought, he's not going to do anything at all today.
0:36:52 > 0:36:53What's he doing here?
0:36:53 > 0:36:57Suddenly, he sprung to life on site and he's getting stuck in
0:36:57 > 0:37:00with all the other staff and he's enjoying himself.
0:37:00 > 0:37:06'I'm feeling useful, doing something productive, and the fact that'
0:37:06 > 0:37:11it's not hugely mentally taxing, maybe that's a good thing.
0:37:11 > 0:37:13How did you find that?
0:37:13 > 0:37:15Oh, it was OK, I suppose.
0:37:15 > 0:37:18Bit of hard work.
0:37:36 > 0:37:39After a tough start to the day,
0:37:39 > 0:37:42Ashley has four hours left to make a good impression.
0:37:42 > 0:37:46All the items you can see are going to be sold in our next auction
0:37:46 > 0:37:49and I want you to put your best description that you can on items.
0:37:49 > 0:37:52The better the description, the more chance you have of selling it.
0:37:52 > 0:37:54All right.
0:37:55 > 0:37:57My legs are aching.
0:37:57 > 0:37:59With his talent for creative writing
0:37:59 > 0:38:02and obsession with Victorian objects,
0:38:02 > 0:38:05this task could be better suited to his strengths.
0:38:06 > 0:38:08You haven't done bad at all there.
0:38:08 > 0:38:11Wooden wicker end table with matching chair
0:38:11 > 0:38:15in a very good condition, medium brown wood.
0:38:15 > 0:38:18- That is fantastic.- Yeah, but I've no idea what era it's from.
0:38:18 > 0:38:22Don't worry about that. It doesn't matter. These are good descriptions.
0:38:22 > 0:38:25He's put - perfect for an elegant afternoon tea party.
0:38:25 > 0:38:27That's just a nice touch.
0:38:27 > 0:38:31- What about this?- That's a decanter. Still contains the liqueur.
0:38:31 > 0:38:33Do not buy this if you plan on driving!
0:38:33 > 0:38:35HE CHUCKLES
0:38:36 > 0:38:38As part of his trial,
0:38:38 > 0:38:41Ashley has been asked to open tomorrow's auction.
0:38:41 > 0:38:44The audience will be down here.
0:38:44 > 0:38:46We'll say it's this.
0:38:46 > 0:38:49- Mm-hm.- What do you think you should do first?- Um...
0:38:49 > 0:38:54- Well...- I would say, "Shall we start the bidding at £5?"
0:38:54 > 0:38:57So someone puts their hand up and you would then say...
0:38:58 > 0:38:59I have £5.
0:38:59 > 0:39:02- That's it. Is there six anywhere? - Is there £6, anyone?
0:39:02 > 0:39:06- And then somebody else will put their hand up.- Hopefully.- Hopefully.
0:39:06 > 0:39:09- And then...- I have £6.- That's it.
0:39:09 > 0:39:11And the bidding stops, what do you say then?
0:39:11 > 0:39:13Going once...
0:39:13 > 0:39:15Going twice...
0:39:15 > 0:39:17- Going, going... - BANGS GAVEL
0:39:17 > 0:39:19Sold for £24 to the little gentleman over there.
0:39:19 > 0:39:21LAUGHTER
0:39:21 > 0:39:23Don't say that!
0:39:23 > 0:39:26It's your bid, madam. Your bid, sir.
0:39:26 > 0:39:29- Because people can get quite offended.- OK.
0:39:29 > 0:39:31You can practise this at home tonight.
0:39:31 > 0:39:35It should build his confidence because it is such a scary thing to do and he'll be scared,
0:39:35 > 0:39:39he should be, I was scared the first time I did this. I was terrified!
0:39:44 > 0:39:48Yeah, I think I need to go through the pros and cons of it.
0:39:48 > 0:39:53After two days on the job as a teacher, Tom has a lot to consider.
0:39:53 > 0:39:57What is it about the actual teaching side of things that you don't like?
0:39:57 > 0:40:00Because, I mean, it sounds as though actually
0:40:00 > 0:40:03what you did in the lesson went down very well.
0:40:03 > 0:40:07- Well, yeah. It's just... Not being able to switch off.- Mm.
0:40:07 > 0:40:09The standing up in front of people is not something
0:40:09 > 0:40:13I'm particularly comfortable doing, given I have Tourette's and...
0:40:13 > 0:40:17- HE TICS - Wah... I don't want the stress and strains of it.
0:40:17 > 0:40:20- I'd rather... - You want to do the practical side...
0:40:20 > 0:40:24Yeah, and be able, when I go home and close my front door,
0:40:24 > 0:40:26- close my front door.- Mm.
0:40:26 > 0:40:28- And not... - HE TICS
0:40:28 > 0:40:30I've still got two hours' work to do tonight.
0:40:30 > 0:40:33So, what it comes down to is... stress.
0:40:33 > 0:40:37- Eventually, I would just be a mess. - Yes, you would.- You know?
0:40:37 > 0:40:40Then I'd be too tired and I wouldn't be able to function properly
0:40:40 > 0:40:43- and wouldn't be able to do my job properly.- No. I get that.
0:40:43 > 0:40:46- I can see that in you as an individual.- Chicken, chicken, bah!
0:40:46 > 0:40:50Which is why I also need something where, you know,
0:40:50 > 0:40:53there's not a huge amount of pressure on me to achieve it.
0:40:53 > 0:40:57- Target industry roles are not going to be good for me. All that kind of stuff.- Mm.
0:40:57 > 0:41:02It's more about being physically engaged in what I'm doing, so I don't tick so much. Nah...
0:41:02 > 0:41:06- Which does help in the long term because I don't get so tired.- Mm.
0:41:12 > 0:41:15Over the years, Tom has discovered that the only thing
0:41:15 > 0:41:18that helps reduce his urge to tick
0:41:18 > 0:41:20is to concentrate on a physical task,
0:41:20 > 0:41:23like riding his motorbike.
0:41:23 > 0:41:26Because I'm so conscious and so focused on staying safe
0:41:26 > 0:41:29and watching the road, changing gear, braking,
0:41:29 > 0:41:32I'm always thinking about what I'm doing, I don't actually tick. Ah...
0:41:32 > 0:41:35I'm like anybody else! I'm normal, in a way.
0:41:35 > 0:41:37I mean, as soon as I get off the bike, take my helmet off,
0:41:37 > 0:41:40I'm on again. But when I'm riding, it's fine. No problem at all.
0:41:42 > 0:41:45To be able to find something sort of physically engaging,
0:41:45 > 0:41:49something where I can actually get my hands stuck in and do it,
0:41:49 > 0:41:52helps mitigate the Tourette's, it helps to sort of stop me
0:41:52 > 0:41:56ticking so much and that would be an ideal situation for me to look into.
0:41:59 > 0:42:02Ahead of Ashley's big day at the auction house,
0:42:02 > 0:42:04and the culmination of his work trial,
0:42:04 > 0:42:07his mum is treating him to a new outfit.
0:42:07 > 0:42:10- We need a suit.- A suit? Right, we can sort that out, definitely.
0:42:10 > 0:42:12I don't really like modern-day suits.
0:42:12 > 0:42:16Have you got something a Victorian gentleman might wear?
0:42:16 > 0:42:18I haven't, actually, to be honest. No.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20- Do you like that?- Er...- No?
0:42:20 > 0:42:24- Try it with a shirt, would look much better.- No.
0:42:24 > 0:42:25Why?
0:42:28 > 0:42:30SHE TUTS AND SIGHS
0:42:30 > 0:42:32I am hating this. This is so awkward!
0:42:34 > 0:42:36I'm just standing around here.
0:42:36 > 0:42:38I can't think of anything to say to this man and...
0:42:40 > 0:42:42Let's go then cos I don't like anything in here.
0:42:42 > 0:42:44- You can order one.- No!
0:42:44 > 0:42:48It's not the colours, it's the shape, the style.
0:42:48 > 0:42:50Appals me.
0:42:50 > 0:42:52SHE SIGHS
0:42:56 > 0:43:00'All his life, it's been difficult to buy shoes and clothes.'
0:43:00 > 0:43:03It's all too much, too new, to think about.
0:43:03 > 0:43:05I don't like it.
0:43:05 > 0:43:07Don't like it.
0:43:08 > 0:43:11He takes everything very seriously and got to do it properly.
0:43:11 > 0:43:14If we give him his own time and his own space,
0:43:14 > 0:43:16he might choose something.
0:43:25 > 0:43:27- OK, right...- Wow!
0:43:27 > 0:43:31Let's have a little look at that one. There we go.
0:43:32 > 0:43:35- Hee-hee!- Yes, I think it's pretty good.
0:43:38 > 0:43:41- Really smart.- Yes, it is. You've already said that.
0:43:41 > 0:43:45- Right, ready to go. - Thank you very much for your help.
0:43:45 > 0:43:48You're very welcome, no problem at all. Thank you, OK.
0:43:54 > 0:43:58- After deciding not to follow a career in teaching...- Meow!
0:43:58 > 0:44:02..Tom is on the hunt for a more practical profession
0:44:02 > 0:44:05that could focus his mind and use his strengths.
0:44:05 > 0:44:06I remember Nadia saying to me
0:44:06 > 0:44:09that not only did I have good verbal comprehension,
0:44:09 > 0:44:11but I had the spatial awareness and the physical...
0:44:11 > 0:44:15You know, doing things was quite high on my IQ test,
0:44:15 > 0:44:19so doing a job where I can use those skills, that would be ideal for me.
0:44:19 > 0:44:20Fuck off.
0:44:20 > 0:44:23Tom's arranged to meet a friend whose job as a tree surgeon
0:44:23 > 0:44:27relies heavily on strong visual spatial skills.
0:44:27 > 0:44:29- Hey up.- Hey up. You all right?- Yeah, you?
0:44:29 > 0:44:33He wants to find out if he could stand a chance in the industry,
0:44:33 > 0:44:35despite his physical ticks.
0:44:35 > 0:44:36Fish tights.
0:44:36 > 0:44:38Sorry.
0:44:38 > 0:44:41- It's not the best way to start. - THEY LAUGH
0:44:41 > 0:44:44Do you think you'll be OK with chainsaws and chippers
0:44:44 > 0:44:47and machines and all the equipment you'll start using?
0:44:47 > 0:44:50Cos at the end of the day, safety's a massive factor
0:44:50 > 0:44:53and if they think safety's going to be compromised...
0:44:53 > 0:44:55The way people might think my condition might affect it -
0:44:55 > 0:44:58imagine with a chainsaw ticking all over the place -
0:44:58 > 0:45:01when I'm doing something where I'm absolutely like...
0:45:01 > 0:45:02If you're concentrating...
0:45:02 > 0:45:06It's like, because I'm not ticking because I'm occupied, it's like..
0:45:06 > 0:45:10I'm like... I've not got Tourette's any more. It's weird.
0:45:10 > 0:45:13- I can understand people being a bit wary of that.- Absolutely.
0:45:13 > 0:45:16- At the end of the day, they're liable for...- Exactly.
0:45:16 > 0:45:18- ..any issues that arise. - I think that's the issue
0:45:18 > 0:45:20I have to try and get past with them, isn't it?
0:45:20 > 0:45:22The only way for Tom to know
0:45:22 > 0:45:27whether tree surgery would be a good and safe option for him
0:45:27 > 0:45:29is to convince someone to let him try it out.
0:45:29 > 0:45:32Contacts page... Fuck off.
0:45:32 > 0:45:34Fuck off.
0:45:34 > 0:45:36Like I say, some employers might not be so relaxed.
0:45:36 > 0:45:39That's why I've recommended those two.
0:45:39 > 0:45:41Yeah. For sure, for sure.
0:45:41 > 0:45:45'The chat I had with Matt really sort of like solidified
0:45:45 > 0:45:48'the fact that this is something I'm really interested in.'
0:45:48 > 0:45:52'To convince an employer that Tourette's isn't really an issue,'
0:45:52 > 0:45:54that's going to be his major setback.
0:45:54 > 0:45:57It's difficult for him to persuade somebody
0:45:57 > 0:45:59without a reference from somebody
0:45:59 > 0:46:00that it's not going to be a problem.
0:46:04 > 0:46:09It's 29-year-old Ashley's final day at the auction house.
0:46:09 > 0:46:10Ladies and gentlemen,
0:46:10 > 0:46:14our next item up for bid is this lovely 18th-century lamp.
0:46:14 > 0:46:18He's preparing for today's trial on the rostrum.
0:46:18 > 0:46:20Going, going...gone.
0:46:23 > 0:46:24A little concerned, yes.
0:46:24 > 0:46:27The auctioneer is the focus of any auction.
0:46:27 > 0:46:30I'm afraid that the actual bidding, raising of the hands,
0:46:30 > 0:46:34will go too fast for me to follow and I'll lose track of where I was
0:46:34 > 0:46:38and I'll look embarrassing and unprofessional in front of everyone.
0:46:38 > 0:46:41There's a lot at stake for Ashley.
0:46:41 > 0:46:44After struggling on his first day, it's a chance for him
0:46:44 > 0:46:48to prove to his boss John, and himself, what he's capable of.
0:46:48 > 0:46:52When you get on the rostrum, very important to smile at people.
0:46:52 > 0:46:56That means you've got confidence in what you're doing
0:46:56 > 0:46:58and it gives them confidence to bid.
0:46:58 > 0:47:01But due to his Asperger syndrome, Ashley finds it hard
0:47:01 > 0:47:04to show socially appropriate emotions on cue.
0:47:04 > 0:47:07"Good morning," and a nice pleasant smile.
0:47:07 > 0:47:10It's hard keeping this one up, though.
0:47:10 > 0:47:11Think of something funny.
0:47:11 > 0:47:14- Smile. Smile? - I'm thinking, all right?!
0:47:14 > 0:47:16Smile! Do a smile!
0:47:16 > 0:47:18That's it, that's it, that's good.
0:47:18 > 0:47:19Yeah, bigger one.
0:47:21 > 0:47:23That's it! Yeah!
0:47:24 > 0:47:26The rostrum is a little bit like a boxing ring.
0:47:26 > 0:47:29You're up there by yourself, there's no-one to help you.
0:47:29 > 0:47:32It's real money people are spending
0:47:32 > 0:47:34and he's got to do as well as he can
0:47:34 > 0:47:37to get as much money for them, for the vendors.
0:47:38 > 0:47:40Ashley's mum has arrived
0:47:40 > 0:47:44to watch him take a position of responsibility for the first time.
0:47:47 > 0:47:48Yes, that's fine.
0:47:53 > 0:47:56On the piece of paper, you've got lot 300, whatever it is.
0:47:56 > 0:47:58ASHLEY CLEARS HIS THROAT, BANGS GAVEL
0:47:58 > 0:48:01Right, there we go, lot 426.
0:48:01 > 0:48:07Ladies and gentlemen, lot 426, a vintage toaster.
0:48:07 > 0:48:10Missing a handle and currently not working,
0:48:10 > 0:48:14but possibly convertible to modern electrics, thus restoring it to use.
0:48:14 > 0:48:17We'll start the bidding at £5.
0:48:17 > 0:48:19Do I hear £5?
0:48:19 > 0:48:21£5 here.
0:48:21 > 0:48:22Do I hear £6?
0:48:22 > 0:48:25£6? £6 over here.
0:48:25 > 0:48:277? £7.
0:48:27 > 0:48:29£10, do I hear £12?
0:48:29 > 0:48:3014?
0:48:30 > 0:48:3314, I have £14.
0:48:33 > 0:48:35Now 18, shall we make it 20?
0:48:35 > 0:48:38£22, he certainly wants that toaster!
0:48:38 > 0:48:41£22, going once...
0:48:41 > 0:48:44£22 going twice...
0:48:44 > 0:48:46Going, going,
0:48:46 > 0:48:47gone.
0:48:49 > 0:48:53A parcel of ladies' hand fans, if you would hold it up, please.
0:48:53 > 0:48:57We shall start the bidding at £5. Do I hear £5?
0:48:59 > 0:49:01£16 for the box of hand fans.
0:49:01 > 0:49:03Very good.
0:49:03 > 0:49:06£18, going, going...gone.
0:49:06 > 0:49:08That's a step forward.
0:49:08 > 0:49:11APPLAUSE
0:49:15 > 0:49:18- That was brilliant. - Really? Why was it brilliant?
0:49:18 > 0:49:19Because it's a very scary thing,
0:49:19 > 0:49:21it's very difficult to get up in front of people.
0:49:21 > 0:49:25People enjoyed it and people enjoyed seeing you up there and you smiled!
0:49:25 > 0:49:28I didn't get as much as I'd like to on that mirror, though.
0:49:28 > 0:49:31Hello! You did really well!
0:49:31 > 0:49:35That was fantastic! It was very professional.
0:49:35 > 0:49:37You've got to do something about your hair, though.
0:49:37 > 0:49:39- I only brushed it this morning.- Hmm.
0:49:39 > 0:49:43After Ashley's first step into the world of work,
0:49:43 > 0:49:46John wants to talk to him about what his next move could be.
0:49:46 > 0:49:50My view is it's been a great experience for you
0:49:50 > 0:49:52and it's been a great experience for us
0:49:52 > 0:49:55and I have to say, it's been a pleasure having you here.
0:49:55 > 0:49:57If you would like to come in, say, half a day a week,
0:49:57 > 0:49:59you are very welcome to do that.
0:49:59 > 0:50:03Do you think that would put you under stress a little bit?
0:50:03 > 0:50:05I would say yes, I think it would,
0:50:05 > 0:50:09but I don't know if I would get used to it maybe after a while.
0:50:09 > 0:50:12I think that... that would not be surprising,
0:50:12 > 0:50:13that you got tired by working,
0:50:13 > 0:50:15but that's something you do get used to.
0:50:15 > 0:50:19It's interesting being around all this old antique stuff
0:50:19 > 0:50:23and I could definitely use work experience.
0:50:23 > 0:50:25It would give you a track record
0:50:25 > 0:50:28and it's a stepping stone to getting a job that you really do want.
0:50:28 > 0:50:30- Thank you for having me. - Do come and see us
0:50:30 > 0:50:33and they're not empty words, I really mean that.
0:50:33 > 0:50:34Thank you.
0:50:35 > 0:50:38Apparently, I did it really well.
0:50:38 > 0:50:42They gave me surprisingly good feedback, all things considered.
0:50:42 > 0:50:46People who have the label of having Asperger's syndrome,
0:50:46 > 0:50:49they are not write-offs.
0:50:49 > 0:50:52I just want to say, it's been an absolute pleasure working with you,
0:50:52 > 0:50:54Ashley, it's been great over the last two days.
0:50:54 > 0:50:56Thank you very much.
0:50:56 > 0:50:59I would be prepared to give it a go with him on a part-time basis.
0:50:59 > 0:51:04It would be a good chance to meet people,
0:51:04 > 0:51:07maybe get better acquainted and maybe make some friends.
0:51:07 > 0:51:09- The door's open, come and see us any time.- OK.
0:51:09 > 0:51:10Thank you.
0:51:10 > 0:51:12Employers must open the doors
0:51:12 > 0:51:15and find out what they CAN do, not what they can't do.
0:51:15 > 0:51:18People hear "learning disabilities"
0:51:18 > 0:51:21and they think we're damaged goods.
0:51:21 > 0:51:26I will show that we, the Aspergi, if that is the plural,
0:51:26 > 0:51:29can do things, all right?
0:51:29 > 0:51:30We are not helpless.
0:51:35 > 0:51:37- ON PHONE:- 'And look forward to seeing you, mate.'
0:51:37 > 0:51:39Brilliant, look forward to seeing you too.
0:51:39 > 0:51:42I'll see you about 10.30 this morning.
0:51:42 > 0:51:44Thanks to his friend's contacts,
0:51:44 > 0:51:48Tom has managed to secure a day working with a tree surgeon.
0:51:48 > 0:51:51They're going to be a little bit on the back foot
0:51:51 > 0:51:54because, obviously, you're handling chainsaws,
0:51:54 > 0:51:56you're handling saws or whatever, they'll be thinking,
0:51:56 > 0:51:58"Well, how is that going to affect...?"
0:51:58 > 0:52:02- TOM TICS - We shall see.
0:52:07 > 0:52:11Tom's trial is with a local tree-surgery team, clearing woodland
0:52:11 > 0:52:15and removing dangerous branches high in the canopies.
0:52:15 > 0:52:16I am a little bit nervous.
0:52:16 > 0:52:18There is a definite danger factor to it.
0:52:18 > 0:52:20You know, people might worry if I have physical tics,
0:52:20 > 0:52:23that I might throw a chainsaw around or whatever.
0:52:23 > 0:52:24It's going to be normal for people
0:52:24 > 0:52:27to be a bit hesitant about someone with Tourette's.
0:52:27 > 0:52:29People do get hurt and you don't want that
0:52:29 > 0:52:31to happen to you or anybody you're working with.
0:52:31 > 0:52:32Nice to meet you, man.
0:52:32 > 0:52:34Yeah, nice to meet you, mate.
0:52:34 > 0:52:38The person Tom really needs to convince today is boss Steve,
0:52:38 > 0:52:41who can give him the reference he needs to get into the industry.
0:52:43 > 0:52:46But only if Tom can prove that his physical tics
0:52:46 > 0:52:49won't be a hazard around the dangerous machinery.
0:52:51 > 0:52:53Do you experience a lot of tics, do you?
0:52:53 > 0:52:55It's only when I'm not doing anything.
0:52:55 > 0:52:58If I'm on the ground and standing around, I would tic.
0:52:58 > 0:52:59So, focus sorts that out, does it?
0:52:59 > 0:53:01Yeah, as long as I've got something to do
0:53:01 > 0:53:02and I can focus on what I'm doing.
0:53:02 > 0:53:05- So you are happy, yeah?- Yes, I'm fine.- You're happy, I'm happy.
0:53:05 > 0:53:08- We'll get everything put in place and we'll give it a go.- Cool.
0:53:11 > 0:53:13The first plan of action is,
0:53:13 > 0:53:15if you can stack that wood up there as Danny cuts it.
0:53:15 > 0:53:18Get the odd branch towards the chipper for us.
0:53:18 > 0:53:19Whatever you do,
0:53:19 > 0:53:22don't get anywhere near the loading point of the machine.
0:53:24 > 0:53:27And then me and Graham will set this tree up for you later on
0:53:27 > 0:53:29to do a little bit of climbing work.
0:53:29 > 0:53:31CHAINSAWS BUZZ
0:53:31 > 0:53:35Tree surgery is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country.
0:53:37 > 0:53:42Today is a trial period where we can see if Tom can cut it.
0:53:42 > 0:53:45The added uncertainty, of course, is the Tourette's.
0:53:45 > 0:53:48It's important, at this stage, that he is monitored.
0:53:48 > 0:53:51Let's see if he does appear to get tics under stress.
0:53:51 > 0:53:53Have you got another handsaw there, mate?
0:53:53 > 0:53:55Just bring yourself over here, then, mate.
0:53:55 > 0:53:57Come over here, Tom.
0:53:57 > 0:54:02The arborist's saw is a tree surgeon's most important tool.
0:54:02 > 0:54:03Be aware that's very sharp.
0:54:03 > 0:54:07You can just put your finger on there and it can puncture you.
0:54:07 > 0:54:10Tom needs to show that the focus required to use the saw
0:54:10 > 0:54:13will be sufficient to suppress his tics.
0:54:13 > 0:54:16This is a situation of proving myself because I'll be concentrating
0:54:16 > 0:54:18so hard on what I'm doing because it's obviously dangerous.
0:54:18 > 0:54:20Hopefully, the tics will stop.
0:54:20 > 0:54:22Just take a bit off, make it a smaller...?
0:54:22 > 0:54:24Yeah, exactly, yeah.
0:54:24 > 0:54:25Go for it.
0:54:25 > 0:54:26Hang on.
0:54:46 > 0:54:49These are the sort of things where you're really concentrating
0:54:49 > 0:54:53- and you don't get no problem with the Tourette's at all.- No.
0:54:53 > 0:54:55OK, yeah.
0:54:56 > 0:54:58Sawing at ground level is one thing,
0:54:58 > 0:55:01but tree surgeons need to be able to work at great heights.
0:55:01 > 0:55:04Steve wants to see if Tom is up to the task
0:55:04 > 0:55:07of removing branches 30 feet up.
0:55:07 > 0:55:09And what I'm probably going to get you to do
0:55:09 > 0:55:11is get up the top of that sycamore.
0:55:11 > 0:55:15Once you get set up there, a few pieces of dead wood,
0:55:15 > 0:55:18the larger ones that are prone to dropping on people's heads,
0:55:18 > 0:55:20would you be comfortable doing that?
0:55:20 > 0:55:23I'd give it a go, yeah. I've not done it before, but...
0:55:24 > 0:55:26This is probably as dangerous as it gets.
0:55:26 > 0:55:29You need to be on it, concentrating on what you're doing,
0:55:29 > 0:55:32listen to people when they tell you to do stuff a certain way,
0:55:32 > 0:55:35you need to do it the right way and be health-and-safety conscious.
0:55:35 > 0:55:36Things can go wrong and do go wrong.
0:55:40 > 0:55:41That's it, mate.
0:55:42 > 0:55:45One thing that just concerns me a little bit,
0:55:45 > 0:55:48you don't think you'll get a bit nervous and the tics might come on?
0:55:48 > 0:55:51What I've done so far seems to be all right, going pretty well,
0:55:51 > 0:55:53so as long as there's focus on what I've got to do
0:55:53 > 0:55:55and get it done, I think it'll be all right.
0:55:55 > 0:55:57- Yeah, confident? - We'll see, won't we?
0:55:57 > 0:55:59Yeah, just get up there and give it a go, mate.
0:56:02 > 0:56:03Keep to the left a bit.
0:56:11 > 0:56:13- Hang on, mate, you've got... - Got the wrong end?
0:56:13 > 0:56:15You've got the wrong end, mate.
0:56:15 > 0:56:16Yeah.
0:56:21 > 0:56:25Tom is most at risk of tics when he is tired or stressed.
0:56:25 > 0:56:27My arms are fucking shot, I can't get up here.
0:56:27 > 0:56:29And the higher Tom gets,
0:56:29 > 0:56:32the more tiring and stressful the climb becomes.
0:56:32 > 0:56:34Come on, leg. Fucking hell!
0:56:35 > 0:56:37Are you OK to go on?
0:56:37 > 0:56:39- Yeah.- Yeah?
0:56:43 > 0:56:45We have a secondary rope on Tom.
0:56:45 > 0:56:48If he has a tic while he's got a saw in his hand,
0:56:48 > 0:56:51he just might cut through the rope with the saw.
0:56:57 > 0:56:59That was so satisfying.
0:56:59 > 0:57:02What about the Tourette's side of it, mate? Nothing's kicked in, no?
0:57:02 > 0:57:06- I haven't had anything, have you? - Absolutely nothing, mate.- Right.
0:57:06 > 0:57:07Not a single tic.
0:57:09 > 0:57:13For the first time, Tom has got through a whole working day
0:57:13 > 0:57:15without his Tourette's showing at all.
0:57:15 > 0:57:18I don't think I ticked once, which is quite nice.
0:57:18 > 0:57:21I suppose it's like a temporary cure.
0:57:21 > 0:57:23- I think there's a future in this game.- Wicked.
0:57:23 > 0:57:27- I think it may be possible, some work with me.- Wicked, wicked.
0:57:27 > 0:57:30You know, the contacts I've got, certainly, with some other people
0:57:30 > 0:57:32and I think...for your first time out,
0:57:32 > 0:57:33I think you did a really good job.
0:57:33 > 0:57:36Cheers, thank you very... Well, thanks for the opportunity.
0:57:36 > 0:57:41Today was such a good day, a perfect environment for me to be in.
0:57:41 > 0:57:44I feel quite comfortable here, I don't feel exposed.
0:57:44 > 0:57:47I like the manual side of it, I like the climbing the tree side of it.
0:57:47 > 0:57:51It's nice to finally find something that suits me
0:57:51 > 0:57:54and that works with who I am and what I have, so I can go on
0:57:54 > 0:57:58and hopefully pursue this as a career, which is quite exciting.
0:58:19 > 0:58:22Fast as you can, fast as you can, fast as you can.
0:58:23 > 0:58:25Three, two, one, stop.