An autistic woman has finally nailed the art of answering the teacher calling her name on the morning register – despite having left school eight decades ago.
Miya Wilkes, 96, from Tuebrook, insists that delivering a simple “here, Miss” in front of a class of 32 Year Nines remains the singularly most terrifying experience of her life – along being asked to read a passage of To Kill A Mockingbird aloud.
“I spent each morning sweating and waiting for my turn,” Wilkes told us. “Being last on the list as a “W” wasn’t easy. There was always the pressure of the finale, like the final enduring note at a concert.”
Wilkes continued: “Anyway, I think I’ve finally nailed it now? Problem is, the school won’t let me back in to have a go at it. Carol on reception keeps threatening to phone the police.”
Wilkes’ therapist Tricia Squire said: “We’ve been discussing this in our sessions. The truth is, every person is very much focused on themselves. I highly doubt anybody in Miya’s class remembers.”
Former classmate Sarah Harrow, 95, said: “Miya? That one who answered her name on the register REALLY weirdly?”
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