Northern Star Weekly: Autism Awareness close to home

As Autism Awareness Month gets underway, local Bundoora mum Simmonne Dyson-Holland knows just how daunting it can be to put your children into the care of someone you don’t know.

Her twin sons Matthew and Richard both have a primary diagnosis of autism and a secondary diagnosis of intellectual disability. When the boys were very young, Simmonne tried a few support worker agencies, but there were limitations regarding to what extent they could meet the needs of Simmonne and her sons.

“Before the NDIS came along, we had to keep applying for assistance and funding for support workers to assist me with the boys’ after-school routine as well as with transportation and community access,” she said.

Simmonne said it was impossible for the boys to develop relationships with any of their support workers as there was a constant turnover of staff which was “disruptive to Matthew and Richard’s routine”.

“Building relationships was so difficult because there was no continuity of care.”

Matthew and Richard now have four amazing support workers, including a childhood friend, Victoria, who has grown up with the boys as her parents have known Simmonne their whole lives.

Carer Solutions founder and chief executive Jane Morrell said parents of an autistic child need to know that support is available.

“Firstly, if you suspect your child may have autism, see a GP who can refer you to additional services,” she said.

“Once you have a diagnosis, your priority should be making sure that both your child and you are well-supported.

“Should you need disability support workers, know that you can choose the right people for both your child and your family. There may be some challenges finding these workers and in many locations, you may notice that there is a considerable lack of options, due to the ongoing support worker shortage.

“However, there is a way that you can directly employ people you already know and trust, without being limited to the options that some agencies offer.”

Autism Awareness Month runs throughout April, and is focusing on raising awareness, acceptance, and inclusion surrounding autism.

 

by Gerald Lynch
NORTHERN STAR WEEKLY | APRIL 2024