Benjamin
It was a very easy process to follow.
Benjamin had limited awareness of the Ben Fund until a routine chat with his regional ICE Membership Development Officer took an unexpected turn.
As their conversation opened up to the topic of neurodivergence, Benjamin was introduced to the support and opportunities the Ben Fund could offer, marking the beginning of a journey he hadn’t anticipated!
The neurodiversity service opened the door for Benjamin to explore a part of himself he had never considered before.
When Benjamin’s sister was diagnosed with autism, he noticed that some of the clinical indicators used in her assessment were traits he also recognised in himself.
At first, he dismissed the idea of getting assessed. After all, he had reached his late 20s without a diagnosis and felt he was managing well. But as time went on, thoughts about neurodiversity lingered in the back of his mind.
One day, while discussing his Incorporated Engineer submission with his local ICE Membership Development Officer, Benjamin realised something important: the depth of his thinking and knowledge wasn’t fully coming across in his report. This was a challenge he had faced for years.
That conversation became a turning point. His mentor suggested he explore the autism support service through the ICE Benevolent Fund as a step that could help him better understand himself and unlock his full potential.
I understand my situation more and I know where to go if I ever need support.
After speaking with his mentor, Benjamin reached out to the Ben Fund and, through its partnership with the National Autistic Society, was able to pursue relevant support, tailored to his needs.
Reflecting on the experience, Benjamin says the service exceeded his expectations, offering exceptional support throughout the process. He shared: “I wouldn’t understand myself as much as I do now if I hadn’t taken this step.”
The Ben Fund is there to help. Don’t suffer in the dark if you need help.
If you or an immediate family member* would like to learn more about our partnership with the National Autistic Society or explore our neurodiversity grant, get in touch.
*By immediate family, we refer to a partner or spouse and dependent children under the age of 18.