LITTLE THING ABOUT THE AUTISM ​

Saturday 10 September 2022

Probably I forgot to mention that our eldest son, Dilan, was diagnosed with ASD - Autism, to put it simply. To be honest, this diagnosis has not only challenged us as parents but also as a family that decided to migrate to Australia. The reality of autism added a layer of complexity to our lives, especially when facing a system that often appears uninterested in supporting communities with mental health challenges. Part of me understands the practicalities, but another part feels disheartened - as though human rights become meaningless if you're not seen as fully human.

Seeking the Right Support ​

Thankfully, Dilan is quite independent, and that has made some aspects of this journey easier. Our first major task was finding a suitable school. Initially, we planned for him to join Port Phillip Specialist School, and this was the information we provided to the Ministry of Home Affairs when we applied for our visa. The school seemed like the right fit at the time, offering a tailored learning environment where we hoped he would thrive.

However, after two months of education, the school's senior staff recommended something unexpected. They suggested we move Dilan to a standard school, citing his high IQ and strong capabilities. As parents, hearing this was both a relief and a concern. We were proud of his abilities, but we were also aware of his challenges. Could he really adapt to a mainstream school environment?

Transitioning to a New School ​

We took the advice and enrolled him in a new school. To our surprise, Dilan adapted quickly. It was incredible to see how resilient he was, diving into this unfamiliar setting with more confidence than we expected. For his first year in Australia, Dilan attended two schools - an experience that could have been overwhelming, yet the staff and students made the transition smooth for him. The new school created an environment where he felt welcomed and supported, helping him flourish despite the challenges.

Reflections on the Journey ​

As I look back, I realise how much this experience has taught us about resilience and adaptation. Dilan's journey has been a mix of highs and lows, and as parents, we've learned to celebrate every small victory. While Australia's system might not be perfect, the people we've encountered along the way have often made up for its shortcomings. From teachers who truly cared to communities that embraced us, we've found hope in unexpected places.

This is just the beginning of our story with autism in Australia. There will be more challenges ahead, but also more milestones to celebrate. For now, we're grateful for how far we've come and for the strength we've found as a family.