Creating an autism friendly society

Logan was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome and sensory processing disorder when he was 13. This means he experiences the world differently. His senses can become overwhelmed by his environment and he can find social interactions difficult.

He also suffers from ‘spontaneous anaphylaxis’, which has no trigger or cure. It’s resulted in numerous hospital stays, medication and a six month course of intensive immunotherapy.

Logan has been through more than any young adult should have to endure, but is shining and proving to all who know him that he is a humble, talented and selfless young person.

Adversity in education

Throughout his school life he was often misunderstood by his teachers and bullied mercilessly by his peers.

The sensory sensitivities, uncontrollable anaphylaxis and mental health troubles triggered by the school environment made this an extremely tough time for Logan.

Despite this, and his selective mutism, he gave talks in school about autism and went on to speak up for others as his college’s student rep – pushing through his anxieties and advocating for better autism understanding.

Logan excelled at his G.C.S.Es and regular hospitalisation didn’t stop him achieving a distinction in his media course at college.

Creativity at college

College gave Logan an opportunity to explore his passion for film making.

As part of his work, he’s produced a number of videos, including: editing animé clips together for a music video, producing and acting in a spoof horror film and working with others to create thought provoking documentaries.

His final video – and contributing factor to his course distinction – is a documentary about video games and their association with violence: “Gunz or gaming” puts together different perspectives in a well-rounded and easy to understand film.

His skills and talent are clear, watch the rest of his videos on his YouTube channel to see for yourself.

Beyond education

Logan has shown strength and determination throughout his school and college years. He’s continued to help raise autism understanding, as well as pursuing his dream of working in film.

We, Dimensions, are proud to work with him on our autism friendly projects. Logan has helped write our training materials and has overseen production of multiple resources.

Happy to be one of our spokespeople, he’s given interviews to the media. Most recently he spoke to CBS News who broadcast his interview across America, promoting autism inclusion.

Logan is also on our project panel for, and will star in, our new national autism friendly screenings training. He’s used this opportunity to make positive connections across the film industry and we’re confident he’ll continue to excel.

A family driving change

It’s no surprise that Logan is so proactive and determined to help people. Such compassion runs deep in his family.

At home he helps care for his two autistic siblings, and helps his mum with his advocacy work.

Together, the mother-son team host the ‘Big Day In’, an annual gathering for parents and people with additional needs, and organisations who support them.

Logan helps make sure the children and young adults are included in a variety of ways to make this a fun filled day for everyone.

The team also manage “Autism adventures – Minecraft and meltdowns”, a thriving Facebook group with over 3,000 members where members can share experiences, fears and advice.

We’re extremely proud of all Logan has overcome and achieved. He’s an invaluable asset to our autism friendly work and we are over the moon that he was chosen by the judges to be one of our Leaders’ List winners.