Hannah has the key to helping those with autism
A creative youngster is using her art skills to raise awareness of a lifeline autism charity.
Hannah O’Leary is selling a keyring which features her drawing of a ballerina in a bid to celebrate the unique talents of children and people on the autism spectrum.
It also includes a message which states: ”Different, not less”.
Hannah, who was diagnosed with autism aged two, is selling the keyrings to raise funds for Scottish
Autism in the run up to autism awareness month in April.
Her mum Michelle came up with the idea of printing Hannah’s picture on a keyring as her family’s way of contributing to the annual campaign to promote understanding of autism and how it affects people and their families.
Michelle told the Express: “Hannah in the past year has developed a real love of art.
“I feel that it’s quite unique and people I have shown it to say it’s so nice, so we decided to get the keyrings made.
“I’ve had some wonderful comments about them.”
The keyrings will be sold online and via the post in a bid to curb the spread of coronavirus.
They cost £5 and £3 from each sale will go to Scottish Autism.
Explaining some awareness campaigns for autism highlight what people with the condition can’t do, Michelle said: “We try to advocate for our children as much as possible.
“We wanted to raise awareness while celebrating Hannah’s talents.
“We don’t often celebrate what their unique talents are.”
A pupil of Ralston Primary,
Hannah is supported to reach her full potential in school, where she did her ballerina drawing.
The image reflects the nineyear old’s other love, dance, which she learns at En Pointe Dance Academy, where she is also supported by dedicated teachers.
Michelle added: “Hannah was nonverbal until she was about five. She never used to do the things that other kids do.
“It’s only in the last two years that she has started to sit down and draw and I think there is a little bit of uniqueness to her art.
“She does things that maybe other children wouldn’t think to do.
“We thought we should do something to boost her moral and show her people like what she’s able to do in terms of her art.”
Scottish Autism is an organisation dedicated to enabling autistic people to lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives.
It has a team of experienced autism advisors who are on hand to give emotional and practical support to families and professionals.
• To buy a keyring, email Michelle on michelle79oleary@gmail.com
I feel that it is quite unique and people I have shown it to say it’s so nice, so we decided to get the keyrings made