LOVE A DAY AT A TIME
TODAY is World Autism Awareness Day and with about 25 Townsville children diagnosed with autism, the day plays an important role in educating the community about the disorder.
For Douglas mum Rebecca Cooke and her son Oliver, 8, the everyday changes the family has made to help Oliver navigate his surroundings have become normal.
“Pre- planning is very important, ensuring that we adjust the environment for Oliver’s sensory needs.
“It can be very small things, like following the same route when driving somewhere, or making sure he is in his blue shirt – I had to find the same shirt in his size from all over Australia.”
Ms Cooke said Autism Awareness Day was important for the Townsville community as it provided education about autism, including that things like noises, sounds and smells can affect the everyday lives of autistic children and adults.
“Just a little understanding goes a long way for us,” she said.
“Each child has their own unique way and having extra challenges and judgments can be harder for them.”
Ms Cooke said while the disorder was more openly talked about in modern society, more understanding and acceptance would help.
“Townsville has a wide variety of people in the community, some people are accepting and I think others just don’t know what to do,” she said.
“People with any disability are no less, they just see and hear the world through different ways.”
Ms Cooke also co- runs the ASD Townsville Facebook page called Autism Townsville. “It’s a fantastic way for people to share information with the group without judgment.”
Townsville Occupational Therapy Service director Nicole Brown said Autism Awareness Day helped bring attention to children and adults living with autism.
“It’s celebrating the diversity of the spectrum, and hopefully gaining acceptance within the community,” she said. “It’s a great day for our profession to advocate on their behalf. We work with Autism Spectrum Disorder every day in our jobs,” she said. “There is always room for more understanding ... how each person is different, and how to include people with autism within the community and local events,” she said.