AN AUTISTIC man from Dunfermline is calling for the term ‘disability’ to be changed after receiving an employability award.

Bryce Goodall has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and insists he’s ‘differently abled’, rather than disabled.

Having left his job as a call centre operator due to mental health issues and stress last year, he’s now completed a skills course run by Fife Council.

Bryce said: “People use the word disability and I don’t like it. It has such negative connotations and perceptions. I think it should be changed to diffability, because we’re differently abled.

"Many employers don’t understand that. I hope that my award highlights that we can be employable and can function in society. It’s about acceptance and giving us that bit of time and patience. It’s not easy.”

He added: “While I may not have excellent social skills, struggle to understand humour and control my emotions, I have other qualities that perhaps Joe Bloggs doesn’t have.

"He perhaps cannot find creative and technical solutions to complex political problems for example. On a form, I have to reluctantly declare legally that I’m disabled. I accept that, but I don’t feel that it’s right.”

Bryce received his certificate of success from Fife Provost Jim Leishman and he’s now eager to obtain an SQA Level 3 Personal Development Award before a placement at Amazon in Dunfermline that could lead to a permanent placement.

He commented: “I’m on anti-depressants for the rest of my life and receive full-time support from my mum who helps me financially and to help control my behaviour. I can sometimes have ‘mini-meltdowns’ from anxiety and depression.

“People might not think I have a disability, but I’m constantly thinking whether I’m speaking ok, whether my tone is too quiet or too loud and what I should and shouldn’t say at that moment.

"I can look and appear ‘normal’, but inside I’m computing so many things at once. I’m trying to overcome my issues by going out more and going to the gym.

"I have poor muscle control, it affects my whole body while working out as I tense up. I want to be in the best shape so I can contribute to the best of my ability.”