Mum organises festival for families living with autism after verbal abuse from stranger
A HEANOR mum whose two sons have autism is staging a festival for other autistic children to provide a safe space for them to play, after receiving abuse from other parents.
Gemma Hall has arranged the Spectrum Festival, which is being staged at Lea Green, in Matlock, this weekend for families with autistic children.
She came up with the concept five years ago after a visit to a local soft play centre with her sons William, who is now 13, and nine-year-old Edward.
William was diagnosed with autism when he was four years old and Edward was almost two when he received the same diagnosis. He has subsequently been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Tourette’s syndrome.
Gemma said: “Five years ago, a man came over to me and told me that my boys were ‘weird’ and that they shouldn’t be in a soft play centre. Then he told his own children not to play with ‘those weird kids.’
“I tried to explain that my sons had autism and that he should educate himself about it, but he responded with, ‘I don’t need to educate myself, because my kids aren’t weird.’ He was aggressive and really nasty and it absolutely shook me.
“It was devastating. It can be extremely hard being the parent of a child with special needs without other parents making sweeping judgments about you and your family.”
This traumatic experience inspired Gemma to start Spectrum Festival, creating a space where parents and their children would be free from judgment and the ignorance of others.
The festival was first staged in 2018 and attracted thousands of visitors from across the UK. Events such as zip wires, cookery classes, a light sabre school and a mobile zoo will all be on offer this year.
Gemma, who will be celebrating her 39th birthday on the day of the event, said: “The great thing about our festival is that every visitor is around friends. They might not know who they are but they understand what it’s like to walk in your shoes and no one will judge you.
“Nobody’s going to criticise your parenting, nobody’s going to pass judgment, nobody’s going to be nasty to you or your children because everybody completely understands what’s happening.
“There is absolutely loads to do too, so there’s absolutely no chance of boredom since there is something for everyone. But equally, if you or your children need a quiet place to sit and eat, that’s also available.”
Help and advice will also be available from professionals, such as the not-for-profit organisation Sunshine Support, which helps parents get the support their child deserves.
Founder Chrissa Wadlow said: “The Spectrum Festival is absolutely perfect for families who want to relax and enjoy a day out without being worried about their family’s differences.
“There are so many amazing activities lined up, which will all be run by professionals who understand that the children may be rigid in their thinking or have sensory needs. The parents of children with special educational needs can feel very lonely and isolated. We are really proud to be associated with this event because it helps bring these families together.”
Tickets for the event, which is being staged at Lea Green Learning and Development Centre, in Main Road, Matlock, are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/spectrumautism-friendly-festivals