Hi, I’m Rozanna Niazi. As a teenager, I first began to consider whether I might be autistic. Back in the 1980s, this was an unconventional idea, and the term ‘Asperger’s’ had only recently been coined. At the time, I exhibited symptoms such as a fascination with breeds of cats and dogs, a photographic memory, and a strong sense of justice. Being an academic only-child with a controlling Muslim father, it was easy for me to lead an isolated and bookish life.

After completing my studies in law and specialising in mental health, advocacy, and child protection, I founded my own legal practice. Though it proved to be both satisfying and commercially successful, I soon realised that the work was all-consuming and that I was at risk of burning out. To prevent this, I sold the practice and moved to Australia to enter personal therapy and reconsider my life choices.