As a teenager, I was mildly aware of a boy at my secondary school. He was in one of the special needs remedial classes for most of his lessons, but was in his form-room for registration etc., and also usually came to school assemblies. He was a very pleasant and friendly boy who always greeted you with a smile, and didn't appear to have any obvious emotional or beavioural issues. Although he did seem quite naieve and 'young' for his age.
One day, it is etched in my memory, we had a special assembly given by the headmaster. His parents attended as did some of his family. It was announced that he had passed away , the entire hall fell into a shocked silence, one or two children fainted, the teachers all looked red-eyed. A little while later, his cousin confided in me that, my school friend had committed suicide. I have never spoken about the trauma this caused me, or how I have never got over the shock. He was well loved by his family and friends, no-one at the time could understand what had made him so desperately unhappy.
Now, looking back I can see that obviously he had some undiagnosed autistic disorder. He thought everyone was his friend, even if you had only ever returned a friendly greeting. He could not cope with shopping centres, etc.
I can't stop thinking about him, what a lovely person he was, and the lack of adequate support he recieved. In those days remedial classes consisted of a classroom at the back of the school and being managed by a teacher, no help for social problems, no therapy to speak of.
My friend was murdered by the unsympathetic and uncaring system in this country. I don't think anything has changed much over the years, inclusion is a struggle for most children with SEN, and attending school is a nightmare for everyone else.
Sorry if I have made everyone feel sad. I am having a hard day today and can't get my friend out of my mind.