CONNOR Hodges is a talented, confident 15-year-old boy who has autism.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The natural pianist radiates with confidence when he starts to play. But, it has not been a smooth journey says his mother Liz Hodges, who often struggled to find the right support for her son.
In addition to common autistic difficulties, Connor battled with selective mutism, anxiety, agoraphobia and social introversion.
"He found primary school very difficult and was traumatised for the first couple of years - to the point where he still talks about it today," Ms Hodges said.
"A lot of mainstream schools, traditionally, don't cope with non-mainstream kids.
"His autistic behaviours, being introverted, quite anxious, the inability to switch from one task to another or ask for help when stuck caused him to become a recipient of disciplinary type action rather than support."
After Connor transferred to the specialist autism school ASPECT, Ms Hodges said he was brought up to speed quickly.
But, after a carefully structured transition to high school, she said her son became increasingly depressed, anxious and refused to go to school.
"He was completely overwhelmed. He came from a completely supported environment to a large mainstream school with hundreds of kids, different routines and certain behaviours were misunderstood when teachers were dealing with kids on mass," she said.
"He couldn't face the knowledge that he was very different. It was gut wrenching. He isolated himself in his room, cried and wouldn't leave the house."
After an impulse buy of a second-hand piano, he started tinkering on the keys.
"He returned to school and things slowly improved. He was happier and engaged," Ms Hodges said.
"I mentioned to his teacher that he composed his first piano piece. Somehow, she got him to play it for them and arranged a private recital and his confidence and self-esteem rocketed. He is at home with music.
"When people watch him play he is a completely different boy - one who is confident, extroverted, enjoys socialising and performing in public."
Ms Hodges said people need to remember to communicate when trying to understand the perspective of a child with autism - just like any child.
"The individual is always the best source of information especially when talking to kids with autism," she said.
"Just try and understand them whether it's verbally or through their behaviour, or just check in with the closest people around them on how to best approach a situation.
"If you are not sure ask. It is about communication when dealing with a disability that is primarily a communication deficit."
Related:
While you're with us, did you know that you can now receive updates straight to you inbox each day at 6am from the Daily Advertiser? To make sure you're up to date with all the Wagga news sign up here.