When were you diagnosed as autistic and what was the diagnosis process like?

Samuel: I was diagnosed in 2007, at the age of three. I don't remember much about it but do remember going to another nursery and certain things about it, such as the play equipment.

Nicola: We noticed Samuel’s behaviour was different from some of his peers from a very early age. Among other things, he was very obsessive, got incredibly stressed out by changes in routine, was freaked out by very random things and hated anything being out of place. His pre-school nursery also noticed that he preferred to play alone and that he wouldn't move on to other activities, but instead chose to play with one thing continually.

We spoke to our GP about our concerns, and she referred us to a paediatrician, who we managed to see amazingly quickly, thanks to a cancellation. It was suggested that Samuel attend a specialist nursery at our local hospital for half a term, so that different specialists could observe him playing.

Samuel attended this 'new nursery' (as he called it) three mornings a week and his regular pre-school the other two mornings. At the end of the half-term, we had a meeting with all the specialists who had observed Samuel. Their findings were that he was on the autism spectrum. Everything happened really quickly and everyone was so helpful. From only first mentioning our concerns to the GP in January 2007, by May we had a diagnosis and by September, Samuel had a Statement of SEN and a TA (teaching assistant) in place ready for him starting our local infants’ school! For us it was a really helpful, positive experience, but I know this is far from everyone's experience.

Samuel, what is being autistic like for you?

Tricky at times. Sometimes I feel like the odd one out. But I am glad that I was able to have reasonable adjustments - such as a TA at school who can help, and getting a bursary for my studies. I feel anxious a lot of the time and get easily confused which frustrates me, especially if I feel like it annoys other people.

Your Christmas light designs are amazing! What made you decide to create them? Can you talk us through the process?

I've always loved Christmas lights and last year I got to help switch on the Christmas tree lights in my local area, which was really exciting.

For years I've made a version of Christmas lights, by drawing motifs on paper, and sticking them up around the house. Last year, I realised that you can make almost anything using a 3D pen and as Christmas decorations are something that I've made and put up around the house lots before, I thought decorations would look even better made using a 3D pen. The idea of wrapping LEDs around them came afterwards.