Growing up, Rory Clover admits he found it difficult to form friendships and connections with people.
But, since being diagnosed as neurodiverse and settling into his role as a veterinary care assistant at Goddard Veterinary Group, Rory feels supported and happy.
Here, he shares how finding a caring workplace that embraces inclusion and diversity has transformed his life for the better…
AS a youngster growing up, Rory Clover often felt lonely and isolated after being teased by his classmates and made to feel like he didn’t fit in.
As an adult, he also floundered in the workplace as he struggled to remember even simple instructions or have the communication skills to explain why life was so challenging.
Losing his first job as a veterinary care assistant did have one positive benefit as it enabled Rory to reassess his life and finally seek a diagnosis after long suspecting he may have autism.
At the age of 25, he discovered he did indeed have autistic traits, although he couldn’t be considered to be on the autism spectrum, and the breakthrough was life-changing.
Now happy and settled into a new role at Goddard’s Mandeville Veterinary Hospital in Northolt, he admits the diagnosis was a weight off his shoulders and welcomes the opportunity to share his personal experience.
“I’m happy at work and I also have an incredible social life with people who understand neurodiversity,” he said.
“It’s as if I’ve had two different lives – before and after diagnosis.
“Before I was given the diagnosis, I was confused, I was struggling and I put tremendous pressure on myself trying to keep up, which had a huge impact on my life and mental health.
“I spent two years in limbo with my career, but the diagnosis has given me an understanding of myself.”
Rory never felt quite able to fit in but was unable to put his finger on what made him feel different.
His early life was a struggle, with spells of unhappiness, and without a proper diagnosis he was left drifting along with no end in sight to his frustration.
“I always thought there was something that made me different to neurotypical people,” he said.
“I would struggle to form connections with people and couldn’t understand why they weren’t interested in what I was talking about, like history or nature.
“People who are neurodiverse have laser focus on certain topics and often struggle to follow the flow of conversation which can lead to frustration.
“I remember classmates thinking I was just a bit slow, which was difficult to hear. That kind of judgement didn’t go away in my adult life and it can lead to depression.
“Rather than having a large group of friends, someone who is neurodiverse can have a few close friends, but then you can grow apart and you’re left feeling isolated and focusing deeper on their interests.
“Growing up, I couldn’t make eye contact, not only with new people but also people I knew well, as it made me feel uncomfortable. When it comes to tracking the flow of conversation, I’m fine with one-to-one conversations, but group conversations involving multiple people are a struggle.
“I really struggled in my first job but I think if both myself and my employer had been aware I was neurodiverse, it wouldn’t have been a problem.”
Rory is thriving at Mandeville Veterinary Hospital, which is part of VetPartners, and believes a greater awareness of neurodivergent talent benefits both team members and practices.
As VetPartners marks Neurodiversity Celebration Week, he is urging colleagues to open up conversations in the workplace.
“I would encourage people not to worry about judgement and to talk to someone they are comfortable with,” he said.
“Your employers will be happy to have the opportunity to help both you and them thrive.
“There is a horrible history of brushing neurodiversity under the carpet, but that isn’t the case at Goddard Veterinary Group, who have been so supportive.
“My working memory is not good so I prefer to receive written instructions that I can refer back to. New situations can also be disorientating and colleagues have been fantastic at telling me what’s going to happen during the day.
“Reasonable adjustments are made to help me feel comfortable in the workplace. I need a digital device, such as a mobile phone, as verbal instructions don’t always work for me.
“Being in a supportive workplace has really boosted my confidence and I feel I am thriving.”
For media enquiries, please contact Amanda Little, VetPartners PR and Communications Director. Email amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk
