At three years old, our little girl was diagnosed with Autism. Although we knew this for a long time before the diagnosis, it takes a while for it to completely sink in. 

Aria is the most amazing, funny, beautiful little girl we could ever have wished for, but some days this invisible disability can be extremely hard to deal with. She is basically non-verbal, which is a task in itself. Even though she has her clever ways of showing or telling what she wants, sometimes just even trying to communicate is a struggle. Some days are filled with tears and meltdowns, others with smiles and kisses. She is super special to us, the love we have as a family is beyond words and although she can’t tell us she loves us back just yet, she only has to look up at us with those eyes and that smile and we know ❤️

Autism effects our life as a family in many ways. Simple things that some people may not think twice about, can be huge things to us. But with the support we have from our family etc, it definitely makes life easier!!!

 As first time parents, we are doing our best to make sure we are doing everything we can for Aria, as we have seen such major improvements in things like her eye contact, speech and understanding just by attending a few SLT classes, but Autism NI have already been in touch with us, offering support classes/ to come out to our house and try and suggest some ways to aid Arias learning and development. 

This is why we are taking part, and would love everyone to give a donation, little or large, to this great cause and charity! Thank you for taking the time to read this.