My relationship with Afasic dates back over 30 years when my son George was born. By 12 months old it was obvious that his communication was not developing as it should. In particular, his speech was delayed. At the age of three he was diagnosed with autism.
Thanks to the incredible amount of information and advice available through Afasic, we were equipped to understand the nature of his condition, to assist him with his development and of course to fight for an appropriate education. Occasional Afasic summer schools helped with his social schools.
George left school with four A levels, including double award business studies. Despite this, he reached the age of 30 without ever having held a permanent, full time job. He will never be able to process language quickly enough when people speak too quickly or give several instructions at once.
George worked in various temping roles – always part time and with no job security. He applied for hundreds of entry level jobs and attended dozens of interviews but, despite his qualifications, he was without success.
This year all that thankfully changed. George who found and applied for an apprenticeship in IT (another level 3 qualification!) and gave it his all, despite the fact that there was no promise of a job at the end of the two years programme. He gained his qualification with a grade A and distinction and at the end of his placement was offered a full time job. It was perfect for him – everything was not decided by a 30 minutes interview and much of the communication in his job is done on line.
I tell you all this to demonstrate the value of the help Afasic had provided over the years to our family and the value of your efforts in raising the funds to make it possible.
I also tell the story to offer hope for the many others you help. No matter how hopeless things seem, in the right circumstances there are possibilities for our speech impaired children.
I am amazed at his determination and persistence after so many discouraging experiences.
Ian Carr