Date published: 25 March 2026
After 28 years living in a world of confusion and frustration, Linton Jonas was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and given the right support. Eight years on he’s loving life.
When overwhelmed, Linton would ‘accidentally’ ring his gran Sheila, the fulcrum of his life. It could be anytime, including the early hours of the morning.
“I just wanted to hear her voice,” said Linton. “It would calm me down.”
At school he was bullied by other pupils and seen as lazy by some teachers. “I didn’t make eye contact; I was very quiet and subdued and not good around other kids.”
Things improved after Linton was diagnosed with dyslexia and moved schools. He was more comfortable among what he describes as ‘people like me’ and staff helped to unlock his reading potential.
But he was still struggling to fit in and would rebel against teachers and family.
“I would refuse to go into shops. The crowds, the noise and the bright lights would make me feel anxious.”
It was during a post college role at a gardening project in Southport that his lack of eye contact and reluctance to take down his hood or remove his coat (which he used as a safety net) was noted by a staff member, who suggested to gran Sheila that Linton might be autistic.
There were more dark days waiting for a diagnosis. “I’m not going to lie, I did have suicidal thoughts,” says Linton. “I don’t think I’d be here today If it wasn’t for my grandparents and my father.”
In 2015 Linton was diagnosed with *Asperger’s, an autistic spectrum sydrome. He describes it as ‘a huge relief’.
A therapy course with Mersey Care has helped him process his thoughts and emotions. His big breakthrough came when Autism Spectrum Condition recovery worker Ian Matthias introduced Linton to a photography course.
He was able to develop a lifelong passion for photography. Now involved in a film project he’s enjoying being with like minded people and is involved in setting up an autism friendship group in Southport.
Linton wants to share his new love of life. “I couldn’t be happier. Now I want to help other people with autism... I understand what they are going through.”