Fighting For Autism, have been so incredibly fortunate to have some amazing ambassadors from around the world take time out of their schedules to take part in interviews with our Junior Ambassadors, whom a large percentage of are on the autistic spectrum themselves and are thriving through an activity, art or something they love taking part in. Having prominent professionals who share a common interest with the person conducting the interview, or them being from a sport, art, activity that the interviewer can relate to, not only helps to build confidence and develop social skills, they are also fantastic to read, if you would like to take part please get in touch via our website www.fightingforautismeurope.org
This is Matthew's Story.
Matthew with one of his favourite team shirts
Matthew is 16 years old, and received an autism diagnosis at quite a young age, like many on the autistic spectrum, Matthew's Autism is often described as quite complex owing to various diagnosis he has that go alongside it (Anxiety Disorder, Dyspraxia, Hyperacusia, Learning Difficulties to name but a few, there are many more) So sometimes the world can be a challenging place to be for Matthew. Matthew is reliant on routine and regime, so changes in timetables, or an unexpected change to his routine can have a real detrimental impact and as Matthew has problems sensory processing and explaining his feelings it also becomes a frustrating and upsetting experience for him.
As Autism may does not have a look it can be deceiving to someone who is not familiar with Matthew or his needs, get to know him and speak about something he is passionate about and you gain a lifetime friend, get to see him overcoming adversity and he becomes an inspiration. In Matthews case he his highly reliant on supervision and assistance and a lot of the things we take for granted Matthew needs a considerable amount of help with throughout his journey.
Over the years we have found that Matthew learns through things he is passionate about and as parents we have always encouraged the learning process through Matthews passions whether that's going to comic conventions where Matthew got to meet his favourite characters and take part is activities arranged by the incredible Immortal 365 Martial Arts academy in Peterborough UK right through to walking around The Royal Air Force Museum dressed as Captain America and Iron Man , what started off with Thomas The Tank Engine, which evolved into Comic Book Superheroes has now evolved into Football (Soccer) Matthew learns through a series of social stories, PECS (picture exchange communication system) , routines and regimes so planning things for Matthew has to be done with military precision and if there are changes to his day they can have a real impact on him socially and emotionally, so getting Matthews agreement into an activity is quite hard ( near on impossible) unless its something he really enjoys.
Sitting in a world war 2 fighter jet at the Royal Air Force Museum
Matthew with his friends at Immortal 365 Martial Arts Academy
Matthew has absolutely fallen in love with what is described as "The Beautiful Game" both supporting and also with an incredible all abilities football club called Everett Rovers Inclusive Football Team, he is beginning to become more tolerant of social situations and movement by playing football (soccer) I cant speak highly enough of Mark, Steve, Tom, Nick and everyone involved with the running of Everett Rovers All abilities teams, working alongside youngsters and adults of all ages giving encouragement and enabling them to compete against other teams from around the country has been incredible for all of those who take part, the confidence levels have risen along with the social interaction in Matthews case, the sense of being included and accepted is one thing that as a family we will cherish and grab with both hands. As a family it can be quite daunting, as other family members or friends may not comprehend how challenging things can be, by having people who are aware, understand and accept owing to their own experiences does make a help.
Everett Rovers Inclusive Football Team are currently looking for sponsors to enable more youngsters of all abilities to get involved with football, a truly awesome club with amazing coaching staff.
Matthew with his friends at Everett Rovers inclusive Football Team
Supporting wise, Matthew has visited many clubs to watch games, his ambition is to watch games at as many different football grounds around the world as he can, he collects shirts from clubs from around the world and in a variety of different leagues too. For a young gentleman that is so incredibly sensitive to noises and sounds, its a real mystery how when he goes to a match he joins in with the cheering and the chants. Matthews highest points have been meeting some of his favourite players even recognising a premier league football manager and asking if he could have his picture taken with him.
There's a certain kind of magic involved I'm sure.
and then COVID occurred.....
The worldwide pandemic turned Matthews world upside down and pretty much a large extent of the planets too, with the restrictions imposed it has prevented Matthew from doing what he loves most and that has had a knock on effect with Matthew, to a sense where he began to regress and become withdrawn, the battles he faced daily became harder as his outlet had been removed owing to the pandemic.. He explained as best as he could about how sad he was about not being able to attend the football grounds to cheer on his favourite teams and players, seeing Matthew become so upset and with very little that could be done with the situation a brainwave emerged. We explained to Matthew that the players and teams must also be sad that the fans aren't there to cheer them on, and that the players sometimes get their strength through the cheers of the fans.
Remember the magic I mentioned earlier?
Matthew then started to ask for help writing handwritten letters to send to his favourite players, We were getting to work on Matthews writing and social skills, he was researching more and more about the clubs and the players , so when he was writing the letter was written as if Matthew was talking to the person, it cost a small fortune in stamps and envelopes, the effort and attention that Matthew put into writing these letters from a parents standpoint made me incredibly proud. (If you are lucky enough to receive a letter from Matthew please cherish it, he doesn't even write letters to me and I'm his Dad hahaha)
And then Matthew started to get responses, so far he has received letters from Cesar Azpilcueta and Thomas Tuchel from Chelsea Football Club, Troy Deeney from Watford Football Club, he has received autographs from Frank Lampard (former Chelsea Manager), Jurgen Klopp from Liverpool Football club, Harry Winks from Tottenham Hotspur Football club too as well as responses from Arsenal Football Club,Southampton Football Club and Everton Football Club.
Matthew sitting Proudly with the responses hes received from various Football Clubs
The difference these letters has made to a young mans life has been amazing (although Matthew now waits by the window for the royal mail delivery person daily waiting to see who else he hears a response from next), until a time when he can get back to cheering on his favourite teams and players again, and kicking a ball around with his friends making his parents proud wherever he goes. Matthews journey
A letter written to Matthew by Chelsea Football Club Manager Thomas Tuchel
Matthews not the only one, there are thousands if not millions of youngsters and adults that if given the chance to shine, they will make you proud. it might mean by becoming more aware of Autism and the conditions or disorders that are associated with it, but by become more understanding and accepting that's where the real magic happens, whether its through awareness drives or developing acceptance and inclusion strategies that are accessible to all the change could make the world of difference, so as a charity we offer our hand in friendship to any team that would like to make the world a more aware, understanding, accepting, inclusive place to be.
Fighting For Autism Europe- would love to hear from you if you would like to know more
Many thanks Paul & Matthew Greany
It only takes a minute to be more Autism Aware, but the response of an understanding and accepting person can have an impact that could last a lifetime, if you would like to know more about Autism or find how you can help please get in touch or have a look at our website. www.FightingForAutismEurope.Org
