My own experience as a fringe dweller confirms the importance of the personal interest and encouragement from someone who believes in me. ......

I suffered from depression during high school but was able to come up for air and return to family, friends and myself again through finding my voice, and being heard by people who believe in me. My family and support network form the human chain as acted as a lifeline for me to get back safely to shore again.

In Year 12, I also met another mentor, Chris Varney, the founder and Chief Enabling Officer of the social enterprise, I Can Network, who has been truly inspiring. Chris has played a big part in getting me back from the brink.  His example of a childhood on the spectrum, deemed by professionals as un-educable due to his behavioural issues, has been challenging. , Through the support of his mother and social network of family, teachers and friends, Chris set about achieving his dreams and becoming an exceptional advocate for people on the spectrum. With the I Can Network, his brainchild, he has worked tirelessly to drive a re-think of autism by shifting the focus from the deficits to the strengths and gifts of people on the spectrum. Chris’ upbeat personality and enthusiastic support have boosted my confidence enormously and given me the courage to do things I would never have contemplated. His belief in me paves the way for my own reconnection with myself, and in my ability as a communicator with something worthwhile to say. Through Chris’ support, I achieved the impossible in giving a TEDTalk in December, 2013, apparently the first given by a person with severe autism and little or no speech. 

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Through the course of the past years, working through my anxiety and other issues, my depression slowly lifted as my faith in myself and other people returned.  Although I can’t say I have put failure behind me, these days I know that if I put heart and effort into my dreams,  resources will be there to create a better life and make a difference.  In addition, I am confident I can pass on what I have learned to mentor other young people, to give talks, and to reach out and connect with more people through my writing. I have also learned that if not for the dark times, the light would not appear as brilliant.

 

Presented at the I Can Network Launch        November 2015

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Lifting tired feet, I walked the footsteps 

of those losing control of their lives.

Lost on the sea of self-doubt,

marooned on the island of self-alienation.