Teenage autism crusader leaves powerful legacy
By Eoin English
Thursday, March 22, 2012
The head of a leading autism support group has paid tribute to the remarkable legacy of a fearless teenage autism advocate who lost her battle with leukaemia.
Kevin Whelan, the chief executive of Irish Autism Action, said Niamh Cadogan, 17, from Caheragh in West Cork, was an inspirational figure.
"The autism community in Ireland lost a truly exceptional young lady," he said.
Niamh was inspired by her younger brother, Stephen, who has autism, to work on a transition year project last year which resulted in every child attending the autism units of two local schools getting iPods preloaded with the Grace App, which helps them communicate.
"She was a wonderful girl, with loads of drive and enthusiasm," Mr Whelan.
"She was the sort of person that, if Ireland is to get back on its feet, its teenagers like her, with that sort of enthusiasm and drive, that will help us move forward as a nation and culture.
"Her death is a sad loss but in that sadness, she leaves a lasting legacy of all that she has achieved in her short lifetime.
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Teenage autism crusader leaves powerful legacy