Navigating the World Differently
“Being autistic in a very neurotypical world is not easy, but that most definitely does not mean that it’s not possible.”
Claire’s story is one of strength, resilience and rediscovery. Diagnosed with autism as an adult, Claire has spent years trying to understand why the world felt harder for her to navigate than it seemed for others. Now studying towards becoming a Chartered Legal Executive, Claire is proof that with support, the right learning environment and self-belief, barriers can be broken down.
The Early Signs
Claire first suspected something was different when she was 15. Overwhelmed by anxiety, she would frequently be sick throughout the school day, especially in social situations. “It wasn’t just nerves, but an actual physical response to danger – except there wasn’t any danger.” Despite this, she performed well in her exams and made it to college, but social struggles and anxiety soon led to academic setbacks. She failed her A Levels, including law.
The Cycle of Uncertainty
Claire’s journey through higher education was far from smooth. She started and left courses, struggling with the anxiety of potential failure. A diagnosis of depression and anxiety, coupled with therapy brought some temporary relief and with it, the motivation to complete a Business and Law degree via distance learning. But even after graduating with honours, she felt stuck and unsure how to move forward. Fast forward two years and Claire finally had a job she loved and was studying towards a Solicitor qualification. Sadly, Claire failed the Solicitor Qualifying Exam and as a result her lack of self-belief returned all of which impacted on her role.
A Light in the Dark
Counselling provided a lifeline. Through therapy, Claire started to see patterns in her behaviour that hadn’t made sense before. Eventually, it was suggested she might be autistic. In January 2025, she was officially diagnosed. “The inability to let go of the past, the discomfort in eye contact and conversations, the need for routine, the terrifying fear of failure…it all started to make sense.”
The diagnosis changed everything. “I wasn’t failing because I wasn’t good enough, but because I couldn’t cope with a 5-hour exam, and the sheer amount of information I was expected to easily recall. The structure of the exam wasn’t right for me, and I realised that’s ok.”
Finding Her Path with CILEX
At 22, Claire had started a CILEX Paralegal Apprenticeship after leaving a job she didn’t enjoy. Combined with her online degree, this gave her a foundation in law and led to a full-time paralegal role. She is now progressing through a Level 6 Chartered Legal Executive apprenticeship in Local Government.
“Skills and knowledge from my CILEX studies have been invaluable. I started with no knowledge of the practical application of law, and now I’m using the law in my job every day.”
After struggling with the Solicitors Qualifying Exam, Claire found a renewed sense of purpose with CILEX. “Due to the way I learn, I found the SQE very challenging. I thought my goals of becoming a lawyer were unreachable, but CILEX offers a different route to qualification – one that suits me better.”
Proud to Belong
“Being a CILEX member means being part of an organisation that supports people from all walks of life to achieve things they may have never believed possible.”
Claire values the structure and accessibility that CILEX offers and says the support she’s received has been second to none. “Without CILEX, I would never have had the opportunity to qualify after the traditional route didn’t work for me.”
Advice for Others
“Give it a go! CILEX gave me the chance to start again. My chosen career seems optimistic again.” Claire is committed to advocating for herself and others. “Being autistic isn’t a barrier to success. It might mean we need to do things different – but that doesn’t mean we are less capable or less worthy. We just see the world differently, and that’s OK.”