This is a follow-on post from Kasper’s account of his first camping trip, as shared by his mom, Jasmine (pictured left in photo)
“When Kasper asked me about going to camp, I was worried but only a little. He is my youngest child and has never been away from me. But I trusted his teachers and instructors.
“I wanted to know, for example, who Kasper was travelling with. I was concerned about his safety and wanted to know if he would be required to go anywhere on his own. I’d feel more assured if he was accompanied by an adult.
“My husband initially objected; he felt that Kasper would be too far away from home. But I managed to convince him that our boy should go out and explore the world.
“It helps that Kasper has learnt to communicate with people around him. In class, for example, if he didn’t feel well, he’d inform his teachers. He has studied in SAAS since Primary 1. He was officially diagnosed with autism only at around 3 or 4 years old. When he started at SAAS, he couldn’t communicate at all. We knew what he wanted only from his gestures!
“I have tried my best to raise Kasper like I would any neurotypical child. All his older brothers were members of the Boys Brigade, so I wasn’t surprised that he wanted to join St. John. I think we have the same passion for helping others in need.
“I am happy to know that Kasper enjoyed his first time at camp. I noticed that he’s now more aware about personal safety. For example, if he sees me wearing my bag on my back, he’d pull it in front of my body. It protects against snatch theft, he explains to me. So if he decides to go to camp again, I’d feel more at ease.
“Kasper is graduating in November. I want him to find a job because I feel it is not good for him to be holed up at home. Right now his best friends are from school. So I hope for more opportunities for him to interact with others in the community and get to make new friends.”
