Meet the Team

 My beautiful boys Dylan and Elliott live in a world full of textures and experience life through their senses. They see life differently.  I am lucky I share their world, and that is because I am their mummy. Strong, patient, resilient and dedicated. I have to be. I love to see their hands flap with joy and how they vocalise in their own style. I love their pure excitement over small things. Both have taught me how to have overwhelming joy in life's littlest things. Without them, I would have taken many things for granted. Because of my boys, I have become more accepting and appreciative.

  Days can be a guessing game, moments can be emotional meltdowns and overloads. 

The feelings of loneliness, worries and isolation exist but we cope together as a strong family unit and remain positive. I strive everyday to be the kind of mummy my boys' deserve. I hope I am a gift to them as they are to me.

Living with autism can be challenging and repetitive but it is also the most rewarding. 

 The stigma towards autism has often been difficult to tackle because it affects everyone differently and it's a hidden disability, which makes it hard to recognise. It makes it difficult for the individuals with autism to access the right support and it limits what they can achieve. This can leave autism families and carers feeling deeply upset and excluded. A better understanding and support can make a big difference for autism families and carers. We hope to support and address this. 

 My ultimate hope is that one day, all those diagnosed with autism spectrum condition, will live in a world where they will be accepted and appreciated for who they are,. Their differences embraced. 

Nadia is the most beautiful and amazing mother to Dylan and Elliott. Gaining Nadia's trust to become part of Dylan and Elliott's life was not quick, people judge and voice opinion because they do not know or understand and that leaves everlasting scars.

Dylan and Elliott and Nadia are the most inspiring unit that I have ever met. They are warm, kind and forgiving. None of us are perfect but they are, in their own unique innocence. Experiencing life through touch and sensation, overwhelmed by sound and sight.

 The small wins give you the best feeling in the world, the emotions are just their way of showing sadness or discomfort because they can't tell you. We will all always be learning together. 

We have created a well adjusted family unit and know that we are some of the lucky ones, not just between the four of us but with unfaltering support from Natalie and Martin and their daughter Serena, the most accepting 6 year old I have ever met. We concentrate on our family and support each other.

Bringing up children with autism can be one of the most rewarding things in life but does come with its unique challenges. While these are far outweighed by the positives and the small steps forward, we all know the isolation it can bring and how hard support and acceptance can be to find. This is what we hope to share.

When both of my nephews were diagnosed with non-verbal Autism, it was important for me to educate myself & to provide an understanding support network for my family. 

While I have tried to educate myself, the boys have taught me so much more, their silence speaks volumes, patience is key and anything is possible. It’s Dylan and Elliott who are the truly inspirational ones.

I am delighted to be part of the BEE UNIQUE and help to build a network of likeminded people because our journey together is the greatest reward. 

We are never alone, together we can build a society where uniqueness is not only accepted but also embraced.

Being Nadia’s twin, we have shared an incredible, supportive special bond. When Dylan and then Elliott were diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Condition, I didn't know how much of an emotional rollercoaster it would be.  Being part of Dylan and Elliott’s life and upbringing, I have seen the struggles they face everyday but also the victories to be proud of. They have taught me invaluable lessons, to appreciate the little things in life. Celebrating their strengths and embracing their awesomeness. Their smiles and laughs are infectious and in that moment, nothing else matters. 

Through this I have gained an understanding of the unique qualities of those diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Condition. 

I wanted to be able to give the best support possible, the only way that I could do this was by listening and learning and educating myself as best I can so that I could try to understand, learning how to be able support not just Dylan and Elliott but also Nadia. This has helped me to become more aware and accepting.

Watching Dylan and Elliott grow, and knowing that I am part of that is something that I am proud of.

I am grateful to be able to share my experiences through BEE UNIQUE, a place where we can build a support network and help others with their own Autism journey. You are not alone, we are here to support and help in any way that we can.