A teenager with a range of issues including autism, dyslexia and ADHD is getting ready to walk the West Highland Way to raise money for the school that has helped transform his life.
Logan Johnstone (16) also has global learning delay sensory process disorder and struggled all the way through primary school before things got worse when he moved up to high school.
He attends Armadale Academy and, thanks to the school’s ASD unit for students with autism, Logan is now doing well, has achieved National Qualifications and is looking forward to going to college.
Now to say thank you to the staff at the unit who have helped him so much, Logan and his mum Jennifer will walk the 97-mile long West Highland Way to raise money to buy new learning equipment.
Logan stays in Westfield with his mum, dad Thomas and younger brother Isaac. Jennifer told how the whole family is extremely proud of what Logan has achieved.
She explained: “He struggled in primary school and it just got worse when he went to the academy until they opened an ASD unit, which is a small group setting for kids with autism.
“We, as his parent, saw a big difference. He was liking school more.
“Logan found reading and writing hard but after he started the unit he came on so much.
“This year Logan has just passed his National 4 English, National 5 metalwork and National 5 math.
“We believe that without the help from the unit, Logan would have not achieved what he did and without the help of his teacher Hannah Dewar.
“She has changed my son’s life, both in and out of school. She has shown him he can do what he wants in life and that nothing will hold him back.
“Thanks to the support from the school Logan wants to stay on to sixth year then go to Oatridge College to be a blacksmith.”
Logan and his mum will set off for their challenge over six days in August, but Logan is not daunted as he loves walking and the outdoors.
He said: “I wanted to do the West Highland Way for a long time after my mum told me about it.
“I love the Highlands because being outdoors is more relaxing. It’s nice to feel one with nature and it’s better than indoors.
“I am happy I can raise money for outdoor learning equipment for my unit so that other kids like me have the opportunity to do outdoor learning.”
Logan added: “I am hoping to raise £1000. The only thing I worry about it is not seeing my girlfriend Emma.”
Teacher Hannah is also immensely proud of everything Logan has achieved.
She said: “I’m so proud of Logan and love that he is creating such a brilliant legacy in our school.
“He is ensuring other young people can enjoy outdoor learning as much as he has. I know the equipment he picks will help our young people for years to come.”
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