About Us – AutismDBA

 

Hi, I’m Terry Jago, and welcome to AutismDBA — a blog about life, fatherhood, autism, tech, and traveling the world.

I grew up on a council estate in the UK and was diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia. School wasn’t easy. I left with no GCSEs, and I was more of the class clown than the model student. I did things I’m not proud of, but I believe our past doesn’t define us — it just shapes the path we walk.

Despite those early struggles, I found my way into IT through an apprenticeship at a games company and later at a firm called BookData, where I began working with databases at just 16 years old. I learned on the job, earned NVQs, and from there, my career took off. I worked at Taxsoft, met my friend Ken, and together we later started a company that allowed me to travel and work across the globe — over 180 countries, in fact.


 

I’ve worked in finance, government, publishing, education, and tech, even doing archaeology digs in Egypt, Israel, and Jordan with Brown University. I may not be “academically smart” by the old school standards, but I’ve built a rewarding career in IT, particularly as a Database Administrator (DBA) — a job that’s taken me from New Zealand to the Middle East, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and now, back to the UK.

After returning to the UK, I felt called to give back. I taught special needs students at a local school, which changed my perspective. I realized I wasn’t “stupid” as I had been told — I was just different. That realization led me to apply to SOAS (School of Oriental and African Studies) in London, and I was accepted after completing an Access to Teaching course at South Thames College. It was there that I met Hiroko, who later became my wife.

We moved to Japan, where our first son, Kai, was born in Akita, and a year later, our second son, Ted, in Yokohama. During this time, I worked in education and eventually took a role as a DBA for DKIB in the finance sector.

Kai was later diagnosed with autism. He’s a kind, thoughtful, and shy boy with a big heart. He’s played football for the Fulham autism team and taken part in therapy sessions with Arsenal Football Club, which have been wonderful. I’m now teaching him IT and real-world skills to help prepare him for college and the workforce.

Ted, our younger son, is equally amazing. He’s caring, smart, and has always been there for Kai. Sometimes I worry he carries too much weight for his age, so we do all we can to make sure he has the support and freedom he needs. We’re currently helping him revise for his GCSEs, and I couldn’t be prouder.

Hiroko and I have been married for over 18 years. She’s been a full-time mother for most of that time, focusing especially on caring for Kai. I’ve been the sole earner, and we’ve transitioned from a life of travel and adventure to one that’s more frugal — yet just as rich in love, learning, and purpose.

This blog is about all of that. It’s about:

  • Parenting through the lens of autism
  • Living with ADHD and dyslexia
  • Building a global IT career without traditional academic success
  • Finding meaning in the everyday
  • Traveling the world while raising a family
  • Being frugal and resourceful as a single-income household

I hope this space gives other parents, tech professionals, and people with similar backgrounds hope, practical advice, and a sense of community. Life has been a rollercoaster — and I’m here to share the ride.

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