A West Belfast mum says there is still a lack of understanding around the complexities of autism and the needs of the ASD community.
Roberta O'Prey, whose 12-year-old son Evren was diagnosed with ADHD six years ago, is throwing her support behind Autism NI's 'be kind to different minds' campaign in celebration of World Autism Acceptance Week.
She says the past few years have proved particularly tough for herself and her family.
Read more: James McClean reveals he has been diagnosed with autism
She explained: "My son doesn't cope well with change under normal circumstances so when the pandemic struck it was very hard as we weren't sure what was going to happen from one day to the next.
"At the time, Evren was transitioning to post-primary school so he had very heightened anxiety and it was hard to prepare him for the changes that were to come. Home schooling was also a massive challenge as we have to have a very strict routine for him to function.
"When everything was all up in the air around that time, his anxiety grew and he just went to pieces really as his mental health totally dipped. He actually ended up moving schools and thankfully now we have our happy wee boy back again after a hard few years."
Roberta is full of praise for her local Autism NI support group network which has been giving the family and many others much needed help during this time.
"The Autism NI support group has been amazing and I wouldn't have coped without them. I remember walking into the first meeting and shaking like a leaf as no-one in my family had ever heard of autism and it was something I knew little about," she recalled.
"But talking to other parents within my support group who are in the same situation is so reassuring. I felt like I was surrounded by people who knew what I was going through and understood my worries about where to turn and what doors to knock on.
"Even when you get that autism diagnosis, there's no magic wand and your child is still the same today as yesterday."
Roberta added: "Although I feel that autism awareness has increased in Northern Ireland over recent years, I still feel that many people do not understand how it can affect autistic individuals and their families.
"We need more understanding, acceptance and inclusion and as parents that's what we all strive for in our young people.
"As a parent of a child with additional needs, you're also always looking forward and thinking about the future and what it holds for them. I want to keep pushing for more inclusion and understanding, and that Evren will be able to get a job and lead an independent life."
With over 35,000 autistic people in Northern Ireland, Autism NI is encouraging everyone to get involved and show their support for our vibrant autistic community.
The local charity's CEO, Kerry Boyd, has encouraged people to get behind their ‘Be Kind to Different Minds’ during World Autism Acceptance Week, which runs until this Sunday, and learn more about how to support our autistic community.
"Autistic people are our friends, family, neighbours and work colleagues," she said.
"Together we can build an inclusive society in Northern Ireland and give our autistic community the best tools and opportunities to live fulfilled lives."
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