Finn: Difficult teenager

Finn is 15 years old. He attends a co-ed comprehensive school in a small town outside
Belfast. His language is very advanced for his age and he has a large vocabulary. However,
he is very literal in his interpretation of language and does not understand social nuances.
He excels in history and art. He got an A in his recent state exams in history and art;
however he is struggling in this year. His history teacher feels that, while he is able to
remember facts and figures relating to battles and wars, he will not be able to write the
critical analysis essay type answers at this stage. Similarly, in art, while he may be talented,
he will not be able to sit the written test.

Recently, Finn found himself in a trouble at school as he took to following a particular girl he
liked around the school campus. The girl got frightened by this and reported Finn. He still
does not understand what the problem was and he does not have the skills to talk to this girl.

Finn gets upset if his routine is disrupted for any reason. He finds it difficult to cope if a
teacher is absent and he has a free class. He struggles to organise his time and get to class
with all the right books and equipment. He has no friends and likes to spend time alone or on
the computers at the lunch area.

What does the future hold for Finn? How will he move on to employment without any
qualifications? How can his talents be harnessed to help him get a job? Who will teach him
the social skills necessary to have a friendship or a relationship?