abc.net.au/news/heywire-hayden-autism-aviation-flying-around-aus/102007514Hayden McDonald didn't always feel like the world was built for him. But from thousands of feet above, life makes perfect sense."Being on the autistic spectrum, life is a little bit difficult, so it's a way for me to be myself without anyone trying to tell me who I am."
There's something about being up there that gives you a different perspective, he says. You don't "hear all the bad stuff in the world".But far from just a reprieve from the day-to-day, flying has come to represent something more. Sometimes, it felt as thought people didn't really know where Hayden fit into the puzzle. Over time, neither did he.While Western Australia's south coast is known around the world for its white sands, the fineness of the beach can cause him to have sensory overload."That coastline between Bremer Bay and Hopetoun is absolutely beautiful," he says. "It's just rugged terrain.
It does not have specific medical guidelines regarding autism, but says that “associated information can be found under our guidelines for ADHD”. Hayden's love for aviation has seen him travel thousands of kilometres across the rocky outcrops and salt lakes of WA's Goldfields-Esperance region on his own.
Good job, excellent to see !!!!people need to stop pigeon holeing people on the spectrum, they are more capable than u think they are, just like everyone else they just need support, love & and guidance.
Kelpie ❤️love❤️
It's a shame he didn't feel able to appeal. A decision from the Administrative Appeals Tribunal could have provided more clarity on whether the refusal of a medical certificate was reasonably based.
Happy flying Hayden.