About

My son

My son was diagnosed aged 4 with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) level 3 with global developmental delay and language impairment. He is enrolled in a learning support unit at a public primary school in Canberra, Australia. He loves to read, play the piano, act out Disney films with his sister and play Mario Kart.

Me

I’m a mum of two and a learning support assistant at a primary school, working with children with additional needs.

When the nurse told me at my son’s two-year health check that his speech was delayed, I was sceptical. But soon his condition became increasingly apparent, and I realised I was in a bad dream that I would never wake up from.

The early years were pretty dark. I wrestled with guilt and fear. Trialling ways to help my son and adjusting our life to meet his needs consumed all my time and energy.

But thankfully, my son’s teachers and therapists — speech, OT and physio — taught me key ways to support him. Gradually I adapted those methods for home so that I could apply them every day with minimal effort.

And that’s what I want to share on Autism Hacks. Simple, effective ways to kick start your child’s development. Things you can implement in your home today, without too much stress. Ways to help your child make progress even before they receive a diagnosis or start therapy.

I know that every child with autism is complex, with varying needs and strengths. But I hope my experience might give you some ideas about what best suits your child and your circumstances.

A few years on from his diagnosis, I still live on a constant hum of anxiety about my son’s every move and about his future. But I also rejoice in seeing how the fruits of early intervention are now enabling him to pursue the things he loves. He is happy and thriving, in his own way. And I finally feel like there may be light at the end of the tunnel.

Huge thanks

For all the love, support and inspiration, I am forever indebted to my son’s teachers and therapists, without whom I would have had no clue what to do.