Case Study – H

H was referred to Future Roots 10 yrs ago by a learning center when he was 12. He had been previously been excluded from middle school for throwing a chair at a teacher. We were told he had ASD. He was described as not engaging with education, defiant and non- compliant especially difficult around women.

H’s extended family already had a link to farming (sheep in particular) and so it seemed like a good thing for him to attend the Future Roots farm.

H was really quiet when he arrived and hardly spoke to anyone at the farm, his peers or the team. H didn’t present as aggressive, but he appeared unmotivated and non- communicative although H did everything we asked him to do in terms of farm work. It was difficult to know what he enjoyed or to get him to make decisions.

H worked in a small group of boys and girls his age, he was clearly physically stronger than most and had lots of common sense which gave him confidence when he was asked to help. H was very competent around the sheep but knew less about cows when he arrived. He had obviously been brought up that men had a very individual role that was separate from females. For instance he didn’t believe men should wash or make the tea, he did believe they should work long hours and had a good work ethic.

The two main workers on the farm were female so he could see what they were capable of doing, neither were prepared to give up on situations that needed strength and determination. H slowly began to respect and trust the workers and more slowly engaged with his peers. He was very specific when he did speak and at times it could sound a little dismissive and sarcastic but it was just his way of talking.

Over the 3 years we got to know H, he demonstrated a great sense of humor and a dry wit, He never showed any aggression or anger at any level of frustration. He had a way that was quite old fashioned in views of male and female roles but it was never intended malicious. He didn’t enjoy written work and was dyslexic but completed his City in Guild qualification in land based operations. H never refused to help and was a pleasure to work with, if he didn’t agree he just kept quiet and gave a look. H went to college and completed an apprenticeship on the farm he now runs.

We attended H’s wedding 2 years ago and he has children of his own. He runs a huge sheep farm with his wife and still returns to do our sheep shearing. He is a young man to be proud of. He has said that we made a difference to his life through believing in him and giving him opportunity to show what he was capable of.