Matthew’s Story

When I was growing up I went to mainstream primary school. There was no transition. I was thrown in at the deep end.
I remember very specifically what happened on my first day. I walked to school with my mum and dragged my feet all the way dreading it. My heart was pumping – I knew no one.

After many weeks I became aware that stuff didn’t click and I didn’t understand the social aspects of school and I would spend hours doodling or drawing giving me excuses to be away from the other kids as I didn’t get what or why they were playing games or talking. I knew I needed to join in in order to be the same as the others but didn’t know how to.