Comments on: Finn’s Story

By: Alyson Bradley

Alyson Bradley — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 23:21:23 +0000

Stories like this need to be heard, and I thank Finn’s family for that, as your strength will help others. I know only to well being a fellow aspie the realities of not feeling like you belong or are understood in this world, some how I survived, my mother never did, she suffered a life time lost,its like a part of her life was stolen from her.

To Finns family, I know there are no words.. but can relate to your pain, and just want to thank you for sharing, as those of us still are fighting to be included in often an unforgiving world, it truly helps… Finn was one of those special people who deserved so much more.

From when you are born society dictates how you act and think to a degree. So having Aspergers and not knowing when growing up,to me was always like I had some dark shadow over my shoulder, close behind effecting my every move, and no clue why. Aspergers has never been the problem, the dark shadows and the alienation for being me has…

I know we need to celebrate and understand the good and positive of being on the autism spectrum, but just as important to remind others, when they keep others on the edge of society, a darker side will continue to exist, we all need to be more open minded and not dismiss what we may not understand ourselves. I will continue to fight to give those of us a voice who are still not being heard. Alyson Bradley (asplanet)

By: Matt Frost

Matt Frost — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 00:21:21 +0000

Hi Russell,

Thanks for your response. Absolutely essential I agree that we speak for ourselves!!! Lets talk about the plans you have at a later date…

Have a great weekend,

Cheers, Matt.

By: Hilary

Hilary — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 22:03:27 +0000

There are some great new initiatives happening around NZ which I heard about at the Autism NZ conference last weekend. Local projects like training courses in Autism for Work and Income staff, and others focussed on police and the judiciary. These are usually low key projects involving parents, people on the spectrum, and autism branches, an identified problem, a bit of local funding and a lot of enthusiasm. Good ideas which take off and can be used as models for others. One exciting initiative is happening in the Wairarapa involving seven schools, some extra Ministry of Education funding, the local GSE, and professional development in autism for all school staff, including non-teaching staff and caretakers. A model that could be taken up anywhere.
Hopefully these and other initiatives will make things safer and more welcoming to people with autism.

By: Russell Brown

Russell Brown — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 05:01:28 +0000

I also want to commend you too Russell and agree with Finn. I think â€˜Humansâ€™ is a great example of what the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities talks about when it talks about having positive images of disabled people in the media.

And speaking for themselves, too. I think that matters.

Thanks for your comments about me on the â€˜Hard Newsâ€™ blog- I look forward to posting more on Humans.

Like I said, anytime.

Iâ€™d best get back to my â€˜day jobâ€™ now. But I look forward to keeping in touch so that we can ensure, slowly but surely, that situations like Finnâ€™s donâ€™t happen again. The world canâ€™t afford to lose talented people like Finn.

Amen. I have some plans …

By: dave hamilton

dave hamilton — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 01:06:14 +0000

Thank You . My deepest sympathy’s .

By: Matt Frost

Matt Frost — Wed, 17 Sep 2008 23:27:47 +0000

Hi Russell and members of Finn’s whanau,

Firstly, I’m ‘new’ to Humans so please let me introduce myself. I’m Matt Frost, a 28 year old Aspie from Wellington. I had the pleasure of meeting Russell at the Autism NZ Conference on the weekend and the honour of hearing Finn’s story from Russell.

To Finn’s mum and partner- It is very difficult for me as a fellow Aspie to express how I feel about the loss of Finn, who sounds like he was a highly articulate person who had great warmth of spirit. This comes through clearly in his own personal account of being an Aspie. What is so impressive about Finn’s e-mail is that even when he was in the dark space which is depression (I know having been there) that he was able to be positive, forward looking and able to use his experiences to help other people- esp. with their issues in the education system.

I should say that this point that I chair the Implementation Advisory Group of the ASD Guideline- one of the key areas identified there is the importance of an education system which can respond sensitively to people with ASD and their families and allow them to explore their talents and be challenged to find new ones in a positive way. I also absolutely agree that we need to urgently think about the mental health needs of people with ASD.

I also want to commend you too Russell and agree with Finn. I think ‘Humans’ is a great example of what the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities talks about when it talks about having positive images of disabled people in the media.

Thanks for your comments about me on the ‘Hard News’ blog- I look forward to posting more on Humans. I’d best get back to my ‘day job’ now. But I look forward to keeping in touch so that we can ensure, slowly but surely, that situations like Finn’s don’t happen again. The world can’t afford to lose talented people like Finn.

Best wishes to all,

Matt.