The guys at AttitudeLive, a New Zealand based documentary film making company, dropped us a line last week telling us about a new film they had just made. In fact I only watched it this morning and have to say I was very impressed.

One of the big issues with parenting an child with autism is worrying about what happens when formal education ends. They told me “”Humans and the way they behave have always confused Josh Flannagan.
Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at a young age, twenty-year-old Josh can find the world a threatening and confusing place. But his special affinity and success working with horses has earned him the title of ‘Horse Whisperer.’Now with the help of mentor Pete, Josh is turning his passion into a promising career.”

Blake Leitch added “Social insecurities fuelled by bullying and inconsiderate seniors left Josh Flannagan thinking he would never amount to much. Josh lives with Aspergers, and struggles socially – but he’s willing to “step out into that uncomfortable area, and give things a go”. After deciding he wanted more out of life, Josh went to his case manager in search of a job. After Pete, the owner of Trinity Valley, gave Josh an opportunity of one-day-a-week work experience, Josh put in the hard yards to prove his value as a full time employee.Josh is now a farm manager, looking after 21 horses.Belief, support and encouragement from Pete and Josh’s family has transformed Josh into a much more sociable person and something of a horse-whisperer.”

You can watch the full movie here.