Light on autism awareness

Romsey sisters, Alice, 10, Abbie (back) 13, and Libby Quigley, 8, are supporters of the Macedon Ranges Blue autism awareness campaign. Photo: Shantelle Images

Kylie Kitchen 

One in 100 children is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). 

It's a high statistic, yet many people misunderstand the condition because it presents in such different ways in different people and is often mistaken for naughty or anti-social behaviour. 

Anyone who has ever judged a parent with a tantrum-throwing child in tow could be guilty of judging a mum or dad with an autistic child.

Romsey mother and integration aide, Shantelle Grant, is working to create awareness and understanding for autistic children and their families with the month-long Macedon Ranges Blue event. 

Shantelle's eight-year-old daughter was diagnosed with ASD when she was three-and-a-half.

"I still remember the first day I had to say to a parent, 'my child has autism, please give her some space'. I still remember that day because you do feel so lost and not as good because your child's not doing what's expected," Shantelle said.

Shantelle said parents of autistic children are often alienated in society. 

While accepting the diagnosis and taking their children to the many medical appointments, they are also dealing with judgement from strangers and rejection from friends. 

"It's really hard for parents, especially in society when they're made to feel that they're not good enough parents or they've done something wrong," she said.

Shantelle's daughter is a happy, bubbly girl, with a wicked sense of humour. Her ASD presents in strong drawing skills and an incredible memory for the details of her passions such as movies and dinosaurs. ASD is also evident in her social and emotional struggles. 

"She wants to play with her peers but doesn't know how. She always wants to be around her friends but sometimes it doesn't go quite right, so you have to gauge a lot of her social activity," Shantelle said.

Shantelle works with many ASD children and families as facilitator of the Play Connect ASD playgroup.

She said although all the children experience ASD differently, they share a sensitivity to the world around them - whether it be a reaction to loud noise, bright lights, certain smells, tastes or textures. 

"Their world is so different to ours," Shantelle said.

"They find things very overwhelming. They're very sensory-based children. All their senses are heightened, that's why their reactions are more extreme."

People with ASD have difficulty with communication, change, and flexible thinking. 

"They don't use the emotions they're feeling, they don't pick up on social cues, they suffer a lot of anxiety, and they don't cope well when they're not prepared for change, that's why they love routine," Shantelle said.

"I say to people put your hand on their heart and you'll feel how fast it beats and that gives you an insight into the anxiety they feel and what might be going on in their head."

There is no cure for ASD, it is a lifelong disability. 

Autism affects just as many adults as children, and many are undiagnosed. 

The message of Macedon Ranges Blue, part of the national Autism Speaks Light It Up Blue campaign, is awareness and understanding for all people and their differences.

Throughout April, events will be held in Kyneton, Woodend and Romsey to educate, advocate and fundraise for ASD. 

"It's about teaching people to understand and accept people who are different, without them being considered not good enough or teased," Shantelle said.

"My dream would be for people to be aware and have empathy and understanding for all children and adults, not just those with autism."

On Tuesday, World Autism Day, Romsey will light up blue. Landmarks will be illuminated to symbolise the launch of the Macedon Ranges Blue events. See the full events listing in next week's Midland Express or in Macedon Ranges Blue.