All Because of Henry by Nuala Gardner

Author:Nuala Gardner
Format: epub
Publisher: Black & White Publishing
Published: 2013-09-29T16:00:00+00:00

11

Highs and Lows

Struan School and the Gardner family go back a long way. It was, after all, Jim Taylor who first moved things for us, making sure Dale had that all-important diagnosis when he was still tiny. We have been so supported by Scottish Autism and the National Autistic Society that when either of them asks something of us, we are only too happy to do it. In May, the Head of Struan, Janet Stirling, called. She asked if Dale would visit to talk to three senior pupils who were preparing to leave school. Of course, he was pleased to help. A few weeks later we headed there, with Henry in the boot and Dale’s guitar and a framed portrait of Sir Henry sharing the back seat.

On arrival, Dale went off with Janet to meet the pupils. I sat with Jim in the dining area, drinking gallons of coffee, served with very good cake. I updated him on my work. I explained how the working dog world was training dogs for autistic children, how this was growing internationally, and with promising results. I also gave him Henry’s portrait, which he decided to hang on the dining room wall. Anyone familiar with that beautiful school building will know that’s a prime spot, so dear Henry is seen by visitors and pupils alike, every day. Jim was delighted to meet up with Dale again and observe how much he had progressed.

It seemed such a long time since Jim had first met the preschool Dale, when he was completely gripped by his autism with those horrifically frustrating tantrums as his sole means of communication. My son had been four on our first trip there. I had been so desperate to help him. And desperate for help. At the time, I really wanted him to attend Struan. He caused havoc, screamed and lay under the dining table, where everyone simply ignored him until he calmed down. That day so long ago, Jamie and I joined eight severely autistic pupils, accompanied by staff, for their morning break. Their ages ranged significantly. One or two had some spoken language, but most were non-verbal. However, all were impeccably behaved and polite. Bizarrely, the snack time resembled a charming Victorian tea party! It progressed at a sedate pace, with a quite decorous atmosphere and very proper etiquette. A plate of prepared fruit was held at eye-level and passed around to encourage eye contact. “Anna, would you like a piece of fruit?”

Anna took a piece, then passed it at the same height. “Stuart, would you like some fruit?”

It was insightful to witness these pupils, who were being taught virtually twenty-four/seven. Every daily activity was an opportunity for communication or social education. I had been aware of this strategy already, but at that time, Dale’s autism was so challenging that alone or even with Jamie I couldn’t begin to approach the resourcefulness and stamina that the team at Struan had. However, that visit changed forever how I worked with Dale. It had given me the key, but it would take Henry to unlock him.

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