This page is a tribute to the son of our founder, who inspired the creation of this support network.
George: Co-founder of the ACN
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My name is Steve Drakoulis and I am the proud father of George and Zara, the sunshine of my life.
When George was diagnosed with autism many years ago, I sought to learn all I could to support my son's needs. That path led me to form what has become the Autism Community Network (ACN). Along the way, I came to understand that autism doesn’t automatically mean a disability. After all, it is called a spectrum. At the extreme end, it is a significant lifelong disability requiring constant support. At the other end, it is simply just another way of being. Sometimes, it can even be a gift, allowing the ability of great focus to succeed in one’s areas of strength and interest. George is at the "good end". George still struggles with some aspects of life; but then, don’t we all? He has continued to develop however into a wonderful young man, with a warm personality and an abundance of charm. A few years ago, George asked me an interesting question. “Dad, am I the co-founder of ACN?” I told him he in fact was more the mascot. “But dad, didn’t you say that you started ACN as a way to help me with my autism? So then, if it wasn’t for me, all these hundreds of people that are now being helped, wouldn't be getting that help? Doesn’t that make me the co-founder?” How could one argue with such beautiful logic? Introducing to you, George, my beloved son, my best friend, and the co-founder of ACN |
in 2015, I asked then 13 year old George if he would like to write something about autism. This is what he wrote.
Some of the amazing achievements of an inspirational child.
George The Superhero : a child's strengths
"George, you know how you sometimes have trouble doing some things and you need to try extra hard to do them when other kids find them easy? Well, that's because something that's called Autism George, and you have that. But just as Autism makes some things hard for you to understand, it also gives you some special powers that other children don't have! But remember George, Autism can't stop you from doing anything, you just have to try a little bit harder. But it's also given you these special powers!"
George typed his first words on the computer before he was 3. He could count to 100 by 18 months old. He now writes detailed stories, draws amazing pictures using MS Paintbrush on the PC, and can use Word, PowerPoint and surf the net better than most adults I know. Autism can in many cases gift our children with special talents all their own and we must celebrate those and encourage our kids to develop themselves in their areas of strength.
"Most kids can't do what you can do George, that makes you pretty special. You might not be able to kick a ball as far as other kids but you have amazing skills in other areas. And you have a super memory on top!"
No matter what else I am a proud parent so I have set this page aside to celebrate my little boy's talent and showcase some of what he can do.
"George, you know how you sometimes have trouble doing some things and you need to try extra hard to do them when other kids find them easy? Well, that's because something that's called Autism George, and you have that. But just as Autism makes some things hard for you to understand, it also gives you some special powers that other children don't have! But remember George, Autism can't stop you from doing anything, you just have to try a little bit harder. But it's also given you these special powers!"
George typed his first words on the computer before he was 3. He could count to 100 by 18 months old. He now writes detailed stories, draws amazing pictures using MS Paintbrush on the PC, and can use Word, PowerPoint and surf the net better than most adults I know. Autism can in many cases gift our children with special talents all their own and we must celebrate those and encourage our kids to develop themselves in their areas of strength.
"Most kids can't do what you can do George, that makes you pretty special. You might not be able to kick a ball as far as other kids but you have amazing skills in other areas. And you have a super memory on top!"
No matter what else I am a proud parent so I have set this page aside to celebrate my little boy's talent and showcase some of what he can do.
George The Musician: a child's interests
One of George's interests is in writing stories and songs. When I posted a sample of his song writing on this page, a great old friend, George (X Man) Xenikis, who is a well known Sydney musician and producer, offered to record our George and put his song to music. So with our eternal gratitude to X, here is now the completed version of the song above. it's pretty great I think. |
George's CD
George wrote the song, "Ultra Black" about a robot character made of steel. It's a hip hop song unfortunately. Then he designed the cover, added other track titles he made up, and even came up with an album title (Thunder Man). |
George the Artist: a child's determination
Ever try drawing using the Paintbrush program on a PC? Can't really do very much ... unless you're a creative little boy with great focus and determination.
Ever try drawing using the Paintbrush program on a PC? Can't really do very much ... unless you're a creative little boy with great focus and determination.
George the reader:
While other children in preschool were playing with toys, George was reading books. The gift autism has given him meant he could read and write before he was 3.
While other children in preschool were playing with toys, George was reading books. The gift autism has given him meant he could read and write before he was 3.
