Show of unity for Autism awareness
Erin Pearson | April 2nd, 2012
AWARENESS and understanding were the messages spread along the waterfront yesterday during Geelong's inaugural Autism Awareness Walk.
Organiser Sue Anic said the event attracted about 1000 people who walked together to promote education and acceptance of children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Ms Anic's 11-year-old son Cooper has autism and she knows all too well the daily struggle of parenting a child with a spectrum disorder.
Ms Anic hoped the walk would become an important tool in educating the community to avoid judging those with the condition and their families.
"My son Cooper was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 1/2, not long after we moved to Geelong from the western suburbs. As a mother I always knew something was wrong," she said.
"Most people think you've got a naughty child so the judgment hurts. We just want people to be aware, be understanding, because sometimes it's not smooth sailing."
Organiser Sue Anic said the event attracted about 1000 people who walked together to promote education and acceptance of children and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Ms Anic's 11-year-old son Cooper has autism and she knows all too well the daily struggle of parenting a child with a spectrum disorder.
Ms Anic hoped the walk would become an important tool in educating the community to avoid judging those with the condition and their families.
"My son Cooper was diagnosed with autism at the age of 2 1/2, not long after we moved to Geelong from the western suburbs. As a mother I always knew something was wrong," she said.
"Most people think you've got a naughty child so the judgment hurts. We just want people to be aware, be understanding, because sometimes it's not smooth sailing."
One in 160 Australian children has autism, the nation's most widespread developmental disorder.
Each year Geelong's Gateways Support Services assists around 1000 children and adults across the region.
Geelong councillor Kylie Fisher, who participated in the walk, said the gathering symbolised unity.
"So many people who don't even know one another have come together to share everything they've endured and celebrate the beautiful children they have," she said. "It's very overwhelming and emotional to see. What a great event."
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