A Champion Effort Raised for Autism Queensland.

A Champion Effort Raised for Autism Queensland.

Last Friday my eldest son organised a Dress Differently Day at his School to raise awareness of Autism and much needed funds to support Autism Queensland.

As his Mum, I was extremely proud. He made posters on his computer, organised the printing, addressed two school assemblies discussing a very personal issue.... "his brother", and how important it is to be aware of Autism. Not only is it extremely difficult for a child with confidence issues to stand in front of hundreds of his peers, but to send a message....  with such determination and passion on NOT JUDGING those who seem different..... rather to accept, is absolutely inspiring.

When the day finally arrived, my two treasures donned their "different-clothing"....

  

and marched themselves off to school.  What surprised me most, was even my youngest who doesn't cope extremely well with change... wore two different socks... just to be like his brother.  Honestly the admiration and love you see in my child's face when he looks up at his older brother .... is just beautiful!  When we arrived at school, I was quite humbled by the display before me.  All the children were wearing "different clothes", all the teachers were dressed differently.... absolutely everybody!  Each child made a donation...  to participate, raising over $600 to donate towards Autism Queensland.  It was a massive success and a wonderful effort by everyone at All Saints.  I was so excited and so over-whelmed to see our school, joining together, for such an important cause.

I can tell most of you, when you live with the Autism Spectrum, no matter how many family members or friends you have in support, it is still a very lonely battle.  I say this because at the end of all the words, at the end of the visits.... all that is left is you... you and your children for every minute of every day, constantly reminded and living with the struggles that are Autism.  No one really understands what it is like to deal with this disability unless you actually have children who are Autistic. Some may get a glimpse, when looking after them, but unless it is YOUR life.... no-one can possibly, truly, understand.  I think this is why it is so important to spread the awareness of raising, living and having Autism/Asperger's Syndrome. Unless we have the courage to tell the truth, to respect yourself and your family enough to say how it really is, then the doors to acceptance and compassion are indeed closed. There is no reason for families to feel embarrassed or ashamed of their children's behaviour or how they need to live their lives.  With statistics of children affected by Autism on the rise every day, answers for a brighter future lie with sharing knowledge, understanding and awareness.