Gordonville mum calls for autism stigma to be smashed during Awareness Month
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Discovering her three year-old daughter Sera had autism was an experience that left Gordonville mum, Chantal Lennox with a heart that was “broken into 1000 pieces”.
Ms Lennox is sharing her family’s story in a bid to build understanding in the community during Autism Awareness Month.
“We watched Sera regress from a bright and bubbly baby to a withdrawn, unhappy and unresponsive toddler who appeared to be in physical and mental pain,” she said.
“She stopped playing entirely, sat in a rocking chair and would never turn when we called her name.”
For a year during the journey of Sera’s diagnosis, sleepless nights, negative and fearful thoughts were all common parts of life for Ms Lennox, but she fought back.
“Caring for Sera meant juggling a busy schedule of appointments, workshops and frighteningly long waits at times for vital services like paediatric attention
“There has been much travel over long distances to get to appointments and a lot of money has been spent.
“However the rewards of the hard work are all the richer because it seemed so entirely bleak at first.”
Ms Lennox said learning about autism and meeting Sera’s needs is the same as moving to another planet, but she is now a proud and happy mum.
“It’s so much easier now that we’ve educated ourselves and done the hard yards in early intervention.”
Ms Lennox said disability services providers like locally based Northcott, were critical in helping her family beat the isolation they felt in the early stages of their disability journey.
“Northcott gave us a community of families who are going through the same or similar experiences,” she said.
“We have attended Playgroups with Northcott and workshops on subjects like positive behaviour support, sign language and the benefits iPads can bring children with disabilities.
“I’ve also been fortunate enough to attend a Mum’s retreat in Byron Bay and a Family Fun Weekend at the South West Rocks.
“This has been an immense support and source of information which no doubt has benefited Sera and our entire family.”
Despite support from not-for-profit organisations like Northcott, there is still a stigma in the community that surrounds autism.
“A common misconception is that people with autism don’t hear or understand what you’re saying. Not true. Big mistake.
“Appearances can be deceiving. Hand flapping, averted gaze and lack of speech don’t indicate a person is stupid or incapable of thought.
“They usually indicate a sensory difference.”
Visit www.northcott.com.au for full details on Individual and Family Support services Northcott has available to help local people living with autism or to donate and help fund more services for families like the Lennox’s.
About Autism
Autism is a complex lifelong disability that affects the way a person relates to their environment and the way they interact with other people. It affects everyone differently but most people living with it have problems with social and communication skills. Many people with autism have unique ways of learning, paying attention and reacting to sensations.