St Augustine’s Primary School began working with the I Can Network earlier this year, which is a movement founded by Chris Varney driving a rethink of the condition.

The Wodonga school has secured funding from private sponsors and community groups to establish a Border branch, which will be called I Can Ovens and Murray.

Veronica Mayhew, whose son Paddy is on the spectrum and goes to St. Augustine’s, was keen to get him involved.

“I think it is a wide-ranging spectrum, we just try and pinpoint and build on the gifts they have,” she said.

One could see the bond Mrs Mayhew and her son Paddy shared, and it was clear he had a bright mind for a boy aged eight.

“We’ve had our ups and downs, but overall we have a really positive outlook on life for him,” Mrs Mayhew said.

“He is a really happy child and he has lots of gifts to show the world.”

It’s hoped the group will be launched early next year with the appointment of a project manager who will recruit mentors and support staff to run programs for young people on the spectrum.

St Augustine’s principal Joe Quinn said their goal was to create an Albury-Wodonga which benefits from embracing autism, starting with schools and then expanding the message across businesses and the wider community. 

“People with autism have so many great gifts, but often we look at what they can’t do in mainstream schools,” he said. 

“The challenge is to ask what can do they do and what areas can they excel in?”

I Can Network’s founder, Chris Varney, will speak at St Augustine’s on December 8 from 6pm about its operational model and vision, including employment opportunities. 

The forum will also outline information about a chance to register for upcoming youth camps to be held early next year. 

Mr Varney argued society had misunderstood neuron differences such as autism and other mental disabilities in general. He said people on the spectrum could be an invaluable asset to an Australian economy which would have to be ready to support an ageing population with a smaller workforce.

“We write off autism as a deficit, not a strength,” Mr Varney said. 

“I have found that the strengths of students with autism include our intense focus, memory retention, attention to detail and, for some, visual/linguistic perception.”

For details about the December 8 event on I Can Ovens and Murray and to hear Mr Varney talk, phone St Augustine’s on (02) 6024 2711.