Editor- Firstly, let me start this letter off by asking a simple question.
What platforms are available locally and nationally, that offer advice or some sort of support system for families and parents of special-needs children?
I have a younger brother, who was diagnosed with ADHD and Autism when he was 5 years old.
I have lived in Ladysmith for a number of years, and my brother is the only child that suffers from Autism in Ladysmith, to our knowledge.
As a family, it is not easy, and believe me, many people, including my immediate family, don’t understand how different our everyday lives are.
Many people who I have met in my short life do not even know what Autism is.
So what is being done to create awareness of this problem, and is there someone who feels comfortable coming forward and saying they have a family member or a child that struggles with this, just because of the lack of understanding within our community?
It would honestly be wonderful to meet some people in this town that go through what we go through, who we can sit and talk to, have lunch with, enjoy an afternoon or evening with and not worry about being judged because my brother does not behave like a normal child or thinks like the average child. It would be awesome to start some sort of group in Ladysmith, that can meet up once a week and just be able to share their experiences and advice those who have just stepped into a similar situation.
Do not get me wrong.
Autism and ADHD is not something to be frowned upon. These children and people are beautiful, intelligent beings who deserved to be better understood by those who do not really know what it is about. So let’s get together and change people’s views.
If you know of anyone who would like to form a support group or would like to know a little bit more about Autism, reply to this letter in next week’s edition of the Gazette.
