The boy electric.

Abstract

‘He is completely obsessed with electrical cords and appliances. It is driving us crazy. What do we do about this?’ Sam's parents and I pondered the question together. It was early in our therapeutic journey together. A likeable, inquisitive, imaginative young man, Sam had presented with a range of developmental concerns. His passion for electronica stood out from early days. Sam's parents would regularly discover him wedged in behind the television and sound system. He would turn up the volume and enjoy listening to whatever noise came out. He pulled cords out & then plugged them back in…repeatedly. He fiddled with dials and turned things on & off…relentlessly. He loved to chat about electrical equipment…constantly. He carried around a small collection of extension cords, pausing often to gaze lovingly at these treasured possessions. We wondered if this fascination might be fleeting. We worried it could become all-consuming, non-functional, and crowd out other interests. The harrowing possibility of electrocution added an edge to the conversation. The chosen path was one of cautious exploration of this area of interest. Who knows where this might lead? A potential strength? Could be something, could be nothing. All the while, Sam remained faithful to his instincts. Gradually, and always with the steady encouragement of his parents, his interest in audio-visual technology began to take recognisable shape. Curiosity drove intense personal research and hands-on discovery. Sam acquired technical knowledge and skills uncommon amongst his peers. Sam's development was not without wrinkles. Literacy difficulties cast a shadow over the early schooling years. Emotional regulation skills required coaching. Social relationships took a long time to blossom, but have done so eventually. Sam occasionally found himself on the wrong side of disciplinary proceedings at his school. I have a vivid memory of a ‘crisis’ consultation requested by Sam's parents, mid-way through his high school years. Sam's placement at his school was ‘hanging by a thread’. Sam had hacked into the school's PA system, and proceeded to broadcast to the lunchtime masses a carefully curated playlist of his own favourite music. Sam was swiftly fingered as the culprit. The school took a very dim view of this security breach. Expulsion loomed. Disconnected from the responsibilities of running a school, I admitted to a level of quiet jubilation at this achievement. There was evidence of a handy skill set underpinning the crime. Advocacy efforts were timely and effective. His continuing education salvaged, Sam seemed to flick a switch. As he moved through the upper years of secondary school, the development of Sam's audio-visual capability continued its steep incline. His eye for detail and zeal for the field fuelled his progress. Opportunities presented themselves at school, via subject choices and extracurricular activities. Sam tried his hand as a DJ. He had a prominent role behind the scenes of the school musical, coordinating lighting and sound. He added competencies in digital technologies and media studies. A prized work experience placement with a performing arts centre was secured, though inconveniently scuppered by the pandemic. Sam put this disappointment behind him, and obtained post-school employment as an audio-visual technician, with further studies bolted on. He is on his way. In preparation for our final appointment, I looked back over old letters and notes. Snapshots of an 11-year association. I felt a surge of pride for this young man, especially for the way he has continued to make the most of his strengths, while chipping away at things he finds more difficult. It seems magical that a quirky, early childhood obsession could be transformed into a career path. Of course, the true magic has been in the way this early spark has been encouraged, supported and guided into something bigger. Sam's parents have intuitively and steadfastly implemented a strength-based approach. As we reflected on the road travelled together, a final joyous addition to the sign-off. Sam informed me that his school, which at one point had contemplated dispensing with his services, had now recruited him as a freelance audio-visual consultant!