Finlay Games

Right to Choose Adult Autism Assessment: My Experience

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A split woodland path with two yellow signs reading “This Way?” and “That Way?”. On the right-hand side of the image, there’s a gold circle with bold text that reads: “My Autism Journey with Right to Choose” and smaller text below that says: “How I Got a Quicker Diagnosis”. At the bottom left, the website “finlaygames.com” is written.

In a recent blog post, I spoke about going through NHS England’s ‘Right to Choose’ process to get a quicker autism assessment. I had never heard of this, and I thought that was just because I was new to the autistic world. However, I have since learned that many people are simply not told about this option, which is awful considering how many people struggle for years on long waiting lists.

Therefore, I thought it might be helpful to write a blog about my experience of the Right to Choose process.. Especially for folks who might not have seen my recent video series on this, or might just prefer the written word.

From Tent to Caravan: How I Manage Camping with Chronic Illness and Limited Energy

By Finlay Games

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In Travel

Finlay and Chris sit outside their Jetstream caravan smiling at the camera

Camping has always been something I love. But like many things in my life since becoming disabled, I’ve had to adapt the way I camp. Camping with chronic illness means changing not just where and how I camp but also what I bring to make it manageable and enjoyable

In this blog, I thought I’d share how I’ve adapted my camping setup over the years, plus some of the things I bring and do to make it doable with chronic illness, autism, and limited energy.

How EMDR Therapy Led Me to Discover I’m Autistic

By Finlay Games

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In Mental Health

Finn holding a card that reads 'Congrats on your autism diagnosis,' symbolizing his journey of self-discovery and acceptance.

Over the last few years, I’ve experienced a significant decline in my mental health, after a period of managing pretty well. It’s been incredibly frustrating. Finding myself at breaking point, I was referred to local therapy services. EMDR therapy was suggested, as it seemed a lot of my past trauma was being triggered by present circumstances. I agreed to it, hoping to ease my anxiety and regain some emotional stability. What I didn’t expect, however, was that this process would pull back a curtain on something deeper—something that would completely reshape how I see myself.

11 Years Post Top Surgery: Reflections on Gratitude and Growth

By Finlay Games

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In Top Surgery

A still image of Finn, shirtless, 11 years post-top surgery, smiling confidently. Text beside the image reads '11 Years Post-Top Surgery: Reflections on Gratitude and Growth.

I am now 11 years post top surgery. It has been 11 glorious years with my chest. Most men go through life without giving much thought to their chests, but as a transgender man, I think about mine almost every day. Unlike in the past, when my thoughts were consumed by the pain of gender dysphoria, they are now filled with gratitude. I hadn’t realized how much pain I was in until it was gone. It’s only in the absence of pain that I can truly understand how unbearable it was before. Perhaps that’s why gratitude will always be a part of me.

2025 Intentions and Wintering: Letting Go and Leaning In

By Finlay Games

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In Chronic Illness

hands wrapped in jumper sleaves are cupping a mug of coffee. In the background is a book covered in three crisp red autumn leaves.

As we settle into the new year, I’ve been reflecting on where I am in life, what I want to focus on, and how I can embrace the practice of wintering in 2025. Wintering isn’t just about the colder months; it’s a powerful metaphor for those times in life when we need to pause, rest, and reflect. It’s about embracing stillness and giving ourselves the space to heal and rediscover who we are. This year, my 2025 intentions are centered on taking the time to truly slow down and focus on self-care, allowing myself to let go of old expectations and embrace the quiet.

Chronic Illness Acceptance -Mastering Being Sick

By Finlay Games

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In Chronic Illness

A man is lying n bad with an eye mask wrapped around his head and smiling. The text over the image reads, mastering being long term sick

It’s been a long time since I have written anything for my blog. It’s all a bit of a mess over here and in need of a refresh! I really would like to be writing here again. To do that, I need first to write an update, to bring you up to speed on where I’m at in terms of my chronic illness. Where I am at is an interesting place. I’ve reached a level of acceptance with my health, where although there is still a sense of loss, there is also a much greater sense of peace. Although it seems like strange terminology to use, I feel like I am finally mastering how to be sick!

Appearing in Ch4’s Naked Education Discussing Phalloplasty

By Finlay Games

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In Phalloplasty

Montage of pictures from channel 4 naked educaion showing Fnlay Games

I am proud to finally be able to share the news, that I am involved with the ground-breaking series Naked Education, created by Betty TV and commissioned by Channel 4, The series aims to overcome stereotypes of body types and body image, celebrate body diversity and experiences, and generate body positivity along the way. I will be talking about being transgender, going through gender transition, discussing phalloplasty, and showing my naked body.

Approved for Glastonbury Festival Accessibility Support

By Finlay Games

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In Travel

Finn grinning broadly and clutching his Glastonbury Festival accessibility support information pack

If you are a regular follower of my content, you will know how much I love Glastonbury festival. It’s more than a music festival to me. I’ve written many blogs about this special place and the deep meaning it holds for me. I’ve also vlogged many of my years spent there. My last Glastonbury, in June 2019, was particularly special as it was not long after losing my mum. I found myself doing a lot of my grieving and healing in those magical fields.

Why I Began Using a Mobility Scooter and How It Helps with ME/CFS

By Finlay Games

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In Chronic Illness

I am known for my incredibly open and honest sharing, on all sorts of stigma-related topics. I have many identities, which messages from society tell me I should be ashamed about. I’m transgender, I’m gay, I have mental health challenges, and I am an alcoholic and addict in recovery. My way of overcoming shame has been to share my story proudly. Why then, have I been struggling with shame and embarrassment about using a mobility scooter, and not talking about it?

Receiving a Diagnosis of ME/CFS

By Finlay Games

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In Chronic Illness

After almost four years of struggling with debilitating fatigue and distressing physical symptoms, it has been a relief to have a GP thoroughly investigate my health. It should also be a relief to have all his investigations come back negative. However, it doesn’t feel like a relief. This is because the only option left that explains my fatigue and physical symptoms is a diagnosis of ME/CFS.

Making Sense of Chronic Fatigue | Finding Answers

By Finlay Games

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In Chronic Illness

I am very much behind with my content, especially here on my blog. I have been updating about my progress with my chronic fatigue (or Fred, as I affectionately call it!) over on my YouTube channel. Today though, I thought I might do a summary blog post of all that has happened since I last updated.

ME/CFS and A Virtual Walking Challenge

By Finlay Games

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In Chronic Illness

A couple of years ago, whilst living in Dawlish in Devon, I decided I wanted to walk the South West Coast Path. My plan was to do it in sections, over the course of a year. Unfortunately, life had other plans for me. My mum became ill, and I had to leave Devon to support her.