Trainee stories: Finn

“Academic scenery just did not work for Finn. But since joining Steps he’s confident and enjoys socializing which he never did before. He travels to work on his own now, he’s very independent. The difference is immense.” Yvee, parent of Finn, who completed the Steps training programme.

Introducing Finn

Finn was one of the first trainees to join Steps in 2016. Finn has autism which affects his speech and social skills.

Finn’s mother talks us through Finn’s journey with Steps

Finn has been a trainee with Steps since the opening in 2016. We moved back to Australia earlier this year due to sad circumstances and miss Thailand very much. During the time Finn was at Steps I could hardly believe the difference in his confidence and development. He also made life long friends and we will always feel that Steps is our family.

Finn is on the Autism spectrum diagnosed with PDD and a moderate learning disability. When he first joined the team at Steps he was 13 (he will turn 18 in October this year) and he was a very anxious and frustrated boy, and at times had trouble controlling his anger. He had super sensitive hearing and trouble coping with the very busy and frantic pace of life in Bangkok (well anywhere).

After the 3 years with Steps I’m confident that we can place him, find the right workplace for him. He’s got the general skills and knowledge on how to behave and a good work ethic.

“In a very short amount of time Finn was travelling by himself to Steps via public transport and how to cope with daily life in a big city, thanks to the training and encouragement of the Steps team.”

Being in an academic scenery just did not work for him. The difference is his speech, he’s confident, he’s able to be socially very aware, and enjoy socializing which he never did before.

He’s starting to be aware about what he eats, how he looks. It just feels like he’s got the confidence, he travels to work on his own now, he’s very independent so you know the difference is immense.

In a very short amount of time Finn was travelling by himself to Steps via public transport and how to cope with daily life in a big city, thanks to the training and encouragement of the Steps team. Not only that, he learnt skills in front of house and the kitchen which he uses now in everyday life. We all loved the fact he was known fondly as the “Brooding Barista” at Steps! He also learnt everyday skills in the learning centre which is part of Steps ie: money, reading writing and coping skills.

I can honestly say that Steps has changed Finn’s and our lives as a family. He has confidence he never had before that is helping him now in his new ventures in Australia. Steps has helped so many families and we are so proud to have been part of that right from the start.

“I can honestly say that Steps has changed Finn’s and our lives as a family.”

I can’t thank the wonderful founders Max Simpson and Uang Theera, and the amazing staff for all they have done for Finn. Their unfaltering belief and understanding of Finn’s capabilities, their understanding and kindness will remain with us always.