Laura's skydive for AutismNI
Laura Mackle is raising money for Autism NI (PAPA)
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
Almost 4.5 years ago my first born was diagnosed with moderate to severe Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Eoin was born 7lb 4oz, by a relatively uncomplicated labour. He was perfect, all ten fingers and toes.
He slept well, ate well, cooed and smiled as he should. It was only when he was around 10 months that things started to change. Eoins behaviour had deteriorated. He was nearing his first birthday when I started to notice that there were significant milestones that he wasn't just behind, but seemed completely oblivious to. Clapping, pointing, or mimicking simple hand gestures or facial expressions and vocal response, he was not only incapable but had no interest in learning or interacting with the world around him.
We spoke to nurses, health visitors, doctors, pediatricians, therapists literally anyone to offer us guidance on what was wrong with our son. Everyone had their own opinions ranging from me being an overbearing mother to Eoin having a tumour.
I googled, what else could I do. I was a 26 year old first time mum. I had no idea what was typical and what wasn't when it came to babies. What I did know was that there was something profoundly different about Eoin, and after weeks of research I found my answer - Autism.
We struggled through the diagnostic process, our family faced many hurdles and it took its toll emotionally, physically and financially. There were stages of hopeful denial, anger of 'why my child?', grief wondering whether your child will ever be able to tell you he loves you. Without the autism community, their guidance, and unrelenting support, I dread to think of where we would be today.
Autism is more prevalent now than it was even 10 years ago, and our health and social care system is limited with what it can provide.
Autism NI provided me with the information I needed to become the best advocate I could be for my son. Providing resources, alternative therapy in the local area and also provided access to the community of other parents facing the same struggles - this is invaluable for appreciating that you are not alone in this fight.
My gorgeous perfect little boy has progressed, fought and worked so hard these past 4 years. He has defied all of the professionals who said he most likely wouldn't be able to talk, bathe himself, toilet independently or accomplish anything of value. Well, for every professional who thought he couldn't, there was a community who thought he could.
Eoin is in Primary 2 in a mainstream school within a social and communication unit. He has best friends, talks all the time, is reading at a level higher than his age and tells me at least 100 times a day that he loves me.
For all his hard work, I am going to throw myself out of a plane! To raise awareness and to express my irrevocable gratitude to him and every person that has helped us on our journey so far, and to help AutismNI continue its invaluable work in our local area supporting families and individuals living with Autism.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
Almost 4.5 years ago my first born was diagnosed with moderate to severe Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Eoin was born 7lb 4oz, by a relatively uncomplicated labour. He was perfect, all ten fingers and toes.
He slept well, ate well, cooed and smiled as he should. It was only when he was around 10 months that things started to change. Eoins behaviour had deteriorated. He was nearing his first birthday when I started to notice that there were significant milestones that he wasn't just behind, but seemed completely oblivious to. Clapping, pointing, or mimicking simple hand gestures or facial expressions and vocal response, he was not only incapable but had no interest in learning or interacting with the world around him.
We spoke to nurses, health visitors, doctors, pediatricians, therapists literally anyone to offer us guidance on what was wrong with our son. Everyone had their own opinions ranging from me being an overbearing mother to Eoin having a tumour.
I googled, what else could I do. I was a 26 year old first time mum. I had no idea what was typical and what wasn't when it came to babies. What I did know was that there was something profoundly different about Eoin, and after weeks of research I found my answer - Autism.
We struggled through the diagnostic process, our family faced many hurdles and it took its toll emotionally, physically and financially. There were stages of hopeful denial, anger of 'why my child?', grief wondering whether your child will ever be able to tell you he loves you. Without the autism community, their guidance, and unrelenting support, I dread to think of where we would be today.
Autism is more prevalent now than it was even 10 years ago, and our health and social care system is limited with what it can provide.
Autism NI provided me with the information I needed to become the best advocate I could be for my son. Providing resources, alternative therapy in the local area and also provided access to the community of other parents facing the same struggles - this is invaluable for appreciating that you are not alone in this fight.
My gorgeous perfect little boy has progressed, fought and worked so hard these past 4 years. He has defied all of the professionals who said he most likely wouldn't be able to talk, bathe himself, toilet independently or accomplish anything of value. Well, for every professional who thought he couldn't, there was a community who thought he could.
Eoin is in Primary 2 in a mainstream school within a social and communication unit. He has best friends, talks all the time, is reading at a level higher than his age and tells me at least 100 times a day that he loves me.
For all his hard work, I am going to throw myself out of a plane! To raise awareness and to express my irrevocable gratitude to him and every person that has helped us on our journey so far, and to help AutismNI continue its invaluable work in our local area supporting families and individuals living with Autism.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.