LIVING WITH AUTISM - BBC ALBA EXPLORES A JOURNEY INTO ADULTHOOD
‘COLTACH RIS AN T-SAOGHAL: SO MUCH TO GIVE’
Monday 28 June 9pm on BBC ALBA
Father and son, Cailean and Tascal Maclean set out on a journey from their island home on Skye to look at options for Tascal’s future. Tascal aged 19, has autism and epilepsy and like most fathers of teenagers Cailean worries how his son will fare when he leaves home.
(left to right) father and son Cailean and Tascal Maclean from Skye
On their journey they meet other adults on the Autism Spectrum who offer advice and share their experiences. The programme on BBC ALBA, ‘Coltach ris an t-Saoghal: So Much to Give’, also contains the expert views of consultant psychologist Archie MacLullich on Autism and the future prospects for young adults on the Autism Spectrum.
Cailean says: “It’s an uncertain time for us all so we decided to go on a trip to explore the opportunities that there could be for Tascal when he leaves school. We may not find an answer but I’m sure we will be inspired and, who knows, the trip might bring new and promising thoughts.”
Autism is a developmental condition which affects people in different ways; some people are able to live relatively everyday lives, while others require a lifetime of specialist support. All those with the condition experience difficulty with social communication.
Tascal is in his final year at The New School, near Dunkeld, which provides residential specialist education for children on the Autism Spectrum. He has been there for 18 months, during which time Cailean says he has made great progress. “The school is brilliant and we are very happy with how he’s progressed there.”
Skye based writer and broadcaster Cailean, and his wife Shona a teacher, hope Tascal can continue on such a positive track. “We hope he gets a measure of independence and a life that’s constructive and fruitful for him.”
In Edinburgh they meet Sandra Rafferty and her son Brian (22), who has Asperger Syndrome – a form of Autism - and runs the Broughton Street Bookshop.
Brian believes he’s had a new lease of life in the 18 months since his mum rented the bookshop for him to manage, after many unsuccessful attempts to get a job left him despondent.
He says: “Before I had the shop I was in my bed playing the X Box. The shop has helped increase my confidence talking to people.”
Also in Edinburgh, Cailean and Tascal meet talented singer and recording artist Samantha Ruderham. Samantha (16) sang before she could speak and believes her love of music has enabled a huge improvement in her condition.
Samantha Ruderham (16) from Edinburgh
Samantha’s mum Sharon says: “Her actual diagnosis was that she would never speak. But music seemed to allow her speech and diction to come out fluent, not always right but fluent and she was comfortable with it. It has given her confidence to use the language, not just to her family, but outside the family as well now.”
Cailean also meets Neil McRae of Skye, a vet who was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome as an adult. Neil excelled at school but at university he felt he didn’t fit in.
People with Asperger Syndrome are often of average, or above average, intelligence. Neil explains: “If you have Asperger’s you are good at doing very intense, detailed work for hours at a time without tiring of it. That could be very useful as a vet. I can see in myself that my concentration is good.”
Although there can be vast differences between people at opposing ends of the Autism Spectrum, Neil says he feels a kinship with all those with the condition.
He adds: “We are all alike and we are very different to people who are not Autistic. Although the spectrum is very wide there’s a common bond between all Autistic people.”
Cailean can see that Tascal, a talented musician and volunteer DJ on Skye local radio station Cuilin FM, has things in common with each of the people he meets. But as their research trip draws to a close will father and son find making their difficult decisions about the future any easier?
Produced by mactv and directed by John Mackinnon for BBC ALBA, ‘Coltach ris an t-Saoghal: So Much to Give’, will be broadcast on Monday 28 June at 9pm.