'Life has a funny way of helping you out' has become our family motto passed from a mother to her sons. We believe we would not be where we are today without the disabilities that are within our family and we firmly believe our conditions have made us the family and people we are.
When the email came in suggesting that we enter a short film about the ability within their disability for the international section, I didn't think for one second my boy's would really be interested in doing a film, let alone that the boy's would narrate, direct and produce the film all by themselves and without thinking about it I had set myself a mammoth challenge to incorporate making a film within the everyday life of homeschooling.
Making the film was exceptionally difficult for three very camera shy boys, with the added factor of one being a selective mute. Within their problem solving and their want to succeed they showed determination and initiative. In their film they wanted to show what their life is like, how they live with their disabilities, the daily challenges they face, to having overall control.
Overall control plays a huge part in how I have brought my sons up, I wasn't supported correctly when they were little, having three children with rare disabilities and all on the Autistic Spectrum made and still makes me battle for everything they need. I was determined that my children would know and own their conditions. I believe that knowledge and understanding is the key to how they function in life.
About the boy's ... the Finnegan-Vyse boy's, are a home schooled team. Amongst other things they pull together each month to help other families that are affected by disabilities. Liam 13 has Autism, CMT (Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease) and is the only known case with a triplication PMP22 and unique because he has not inherited the triplication from us his parents. Along with Liam's CMT he is affected by having a hand and and body tremor and is also newly diagnosed with OCD, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Kieran 12 has Autism, Dyspraxia and has a rare form of Ketotic Hypoglycaemia which is a inherited metabolic disorder, both Kieran and Liam are Dyslexic. Last but not least Owyn 10 who has Aspergers with Selective mutism.
The boy's always try to show the positive side of living with a disability. They help run our charity called Get together-Cornwall which joins and supports families living with Autism and other disabilities.
As their mum ... I feel extremely proud of them and also of what l have achieved, by bringing my sons up with the ability to comprehend and adjust to their disabilities, l know they can plan for their own future, the thought of that takes my breath away every second of every day. Thanks boy's for trusting and believing in me ! X
Please vote for their film on www.focusonability.com.au under the international entry ... thank you #focusonability
