East Lothian man 'knew he was different growing up' and diagnosis made perfect sense
An East Lothian dad of two who was diagnosed with autism late in life found community at a "life-changing" men's group.
Owen Siddalls, 48, always knew he was different from other kids growing up but it wasn't until decades later when another family member was diagnosed with autism that Owen realised he was neurodivergent.
He received a formal diagnosis at age 44 and opened up to Edinburgh Live about his journey building a community.
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Owen said: "My late diagnosis came as a result of a diagnosis of someone close to me and at that point I then learned about it being hereditary.
"The diagnosis itself was enlightening in many ways but didn't change who I was and how my mind was wired, it just allowed me to understand more."
Owen, who lives in Pentcaitland, noticed his fitness and mental health were deteriorating after as he and his wife started a family and his role as a husband and new father began to change.
However, things changed after Owen discovered a community group aimed at boosting men's mental health and fitness.
Dads and Dudes was formed by Alan Nash in Longniddry in 2022 and has grown into a large community of men who meet regularly to improve their health and fitness.
According to Mental Health UK, men are more likely than women to experience substance abuse, exhibit violence, and to die by suicide. Societal pressures often deter men from seeking help and instead encourage them to "man up", says the charity.
The group offers a safe space for men to vent, talk about problems, and find community.
Owen added: "The self-social exclusion that I've created in my mind, I came to realise that what Dads and Dudes allows for is all sorts of people and all sorts of mannerisms. It offers a group of guys to put aside having to watch what they're saying in front of their partners and kids and get stuff out of their system.
"It's like therapy, it's just to vocalize what's going on. It's to help us share frustrations in safe group where if you wanted to say something, it's not going to be overanalyzed.
'I think I am a happier person. It has improved my mental health and my ability to handle things thrown at me which I previously would have squandered under.
'It helps demystify the concept of men and mental health and not talking about things. There is a degree go collectiveness that the sessions offer. We don't all need to be social butterflies.'
Dads and Dudes meets weekly across East Lothian and Edinburgh, offering physical training sessions where men can make social connections.
Founder Alan Nash told Edinburgh Live the community was "life changing" for him. He launched the group after he realised he was lonely training on his own. It began with just a few men meeting in Alan's garden and has grown to a group of 50 to 100 members per session.
He said: "There is a bit of demand for men to have place to feel confortable and turn up and talk without judgement. It's been life changing to the point of new friends I've got.
"We've found role models in the community for the kids, people who can look after each other. It's something I'm proud to have started and keep going."
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