The Autobiography of a Supertramp Fanatic
The story of Stuart Vallantine (Page 2)
Contents
Joining the Self Reclamation Society
- The word 'Autism' returns to the fore;
- Self realisation and rebirth;
- First unsubsidised job.
In spite of a wealth of experience, Stuart spent most of 2001 and 2002 looking for work. After countless interviews and three weeks total stay at jobsearch workshops, Stuart was unemployed for the whole of 2002. Despite gaining a permanent unsubsidised job in December 2002, the position wasn't effective till January 2003.
The total stay of three weeks in interview techniques workshop conditions led to a change in outlook for Stuart. Staff had realised his quirks. His time in those three weeks saw an average of three interviews a week, though no success. One telephone call to an employer resulted in no reply.
A word, unheard for several years began to haunt Stuart. That was 'autism', following a 'phone call from his mother and an appointment with his then New Deal adviser. This was followed by reading several books on autistic spectrum disorders and an appointment, in November 2002, which marked a turning point in fortunes.
The appointment was a meeting from a representative of 'Prospects', an employment scheme in Manchester, Glasgow, Liverpool and Sheffield, sponsored by the National Autistic Society. This came about after efforts to gain work experience with Skill Solution (the former Manchester TEC) and media industry employers stalled. Coincidentally, on that same Thursday, his auntie Catherine, during a dental appointment read an article on Asperger Syndrome and thought "That's Stuart!".
A period of self affirmation came about. Stuart ceased to bother being a carbon copy of other people, as his individuality emerged. This came about through writing poetry, originally conceived as an annexe to his visual works.
In 2005, Stuart has sought diagnosis for Asperger Syndrome or similar autism spectrum disorders. It was concluded that Stuart didn't fit the criteria of Asperger Syndrome, according to the DSM-IV, ICD 10 criteria. Instead, he was diagnosed as an 'autistic cousin' - the higher end of High Functioning Autism - or 'atypical autism'. This now sits alongside the 1986 diagnosis of Semantic Pragmatic Language Disorder.
A job at last!
- Back to Manchester on a regular basis for first time since 1990;
- SEO, the Universe and Everything;
- XHTML, CSS and cross-browser compatibility.
On January 2003, Stuart began his new job with a leading search engine consultants in central Manchester. His role involved specifying recommendations for websites hoping to gain top ten positions on the main search engines, including Yahoo!, Google and MSN. After the Spring Bank Holiday of 2009, he was made redundant after 6 years. A few days later, he found a similar role with an Altrincham based search engine consultancy. This appointment wasn't as lengthy as the previous one. By the middle of February 2011 he was made redundant, this time due to company restructuring.
In recent years, this has changed with greater emphasis on building new XHTML and CSS coded websites. Stuart has also gained expertise in cross-browser compatibility, now able to create interoperable websites for use in Firefox, Opera, Safari, Google Chrome and Internet Explorer (from IE6 upwards). Other areas have included Web 2.0 and Google AdWords optimisation techniques and work with content management systems.
Artistic developments and public speaking
- Formation of creative writing group;
- Poetry and photography adding to 'the Artism Spectrum' of SV;
- Public speaking engagements and literary success.
From 2003 to 2007, Stuart was been involved in a local writing group, 'People's Performance'. With this group, Stuart had performed his own works and began to gain some recognition. The poetry continues to co-exist with his visual work. One poem on proposed cinema closures made the local press in August 2003. An anthology, 'Poetry Live' was released in 2005, with the audio anthology 'People Perform Poetry' a year later.
Photography is playing an increased role in his artistic development as well as poetry. Since 2005, public speaking has become a growth area.
Stuart has read examples of his poetry at five lectures hosted by Donna Williams. The first one took place at Sunfield School in May 2005, which led to a further engagement the following year on the 1st March, and a second one in Sheffield. September 19th 2007 saw Stuart granted a seven minute slot at Donna Williams' Manchester lecture.
On the 1st March 2006, Stuart had a successful thirty minute soiree on his creative endeavours at Sunfield School in Lower Clent, Worcestershire. This was part of a special event entitled "Asperger's Syndrome: A Celebration Day". Stuart shared the bill with four other speakers including Wendy Lawson.
On the strength of the Sunfield lecture, Stuart was invited to participate in three lectures on the outskirts of Bolton. The first three months of 2007 saw him gain three 45 minute slots as part of a series of lectures relating to special educational needs. These took place at Bolton Arena, just outside Horwich.
He has also contributed to a book on Asperger Syndrome and Employment. Edited by Genevieve Edmonds and Luke Beardon, the book, entitled 'Asperger Syndrome and Employment: Adults with Asperger Syndrome Speak Out' was released in March 2008 by Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
The year 2008 alone also saw Stuart perform at two of Donna's lectures in Burnley and Aintree on the same day. The following year saw 'The Travelling Poet' do the same in Wrexham, Doncaster and Middlesbrough.
Whereas speaking engagements seem to have dried up, his writing has been in the ascendancy. His blog has seen greater success, offering unrivalled coverage on Tameside bus service changes among more irreverent articles of a local nature. An article on The Picc-Vic Project was published in an issue of 'The Shrieking Violet' magazine with a treatise on the 343 route set to hit bookshelves. The latter forms part of a future book entitled 'Bus Pass Britain' edited by Susanne Kries and Nicky Gardner, featuring contributions by several other bus fanatics.
The Future
Since 1979, Stuart has changed considerably, with the greatest strides being made since 2003. One journey was long and tiresome. A second one is about to begin, though to where remains to be seen. With public speaking engagements winning audience approval, this is a most possible one.
