Meet Charlotte

Charlotte’s an affectionate young girl who likes school, swimming and cuddles from mum. She has two older brothers who couldn’t care more for their sister!

Charlotte’s mum, Kylie has watched her grow up and transform in the world – a journey that’s helped Kylie to create stronger bonds with each of her kids and seen her grow too.

Kylie says that today, Charlotte is thriving.

“She goes to every class at school and her favorite subject is maths,” says Kylie. “She’s caring and considerate towards other kids and she’s very social too. She really likes the water – it’s a sensory thing.”

Kylie has put a pool in at home, where Charlotte likes to swim, and it’s brought a lot of fun to the household!

But a few years ago, their lives looked different.

Charlotte, who has autism, could only attend school for a few hours each week, she had issues with other children during play time, and she became an expert at going on adventures away from her house.

“I couldn’t watch the boys play rugby because Charlotte would have a meltdown when I brought her with me. Whenever that happened, being out was too much,” says Kylie. “I’d have to divide my time up between the boys whenever Charlotte was asleep.”

To create a more harmonious home life and to help Charlotte to thrive, Kylie set out to find and engage therapists to assist. She found recommendations on social media and she did her own research too.

Kylie and Charlotte started working with a play therapist and an occupational therapist, and the outcomes Charlotte has achieved have meant Kylie’s been able to return to work full time and she’s feeling much more present for all her kids. The family is currently planning an interstate holiday, the first since Charlotte was a baby.

Being included in her environment means everything to Charlotte, and thankfully today the world is more inclusive. According to Kylie, it’s not uncommon for her to hear of other children with autism when she’s speaking with friends.

“You speak with other parents of children with autism and see what they’ve done and what’s worked and what hasn’t. Having those conversations is like sharing a recipe back in the day – it’s completely normal,” says Kylie.

“Autism is out in the open, and more importantly, it’s accepted. Having a community to share stories and guide you can change everything.”

Kylie and her family live in South Australia, and in 2023, the South Australian Government introduced improved support services for students with autism, which included appointing an autism inclusion teacher in every public primary school. Having a teacher who understands Charlotte and what she’s experiencing has made a big difference to growing her capacity at school.

Kylie says her journey with Charlotte has transformed her for the better.

“It’s taught me more patience and understanding with all of my kids. I understand the National Disability Insurance Scheme better than I ever have, and I’ve had to build a positive mindset to set an example for my kids,” she says.

“I’m so grateful for what Charlotte’s taught me and how that’s helped me give back. I’m very proud of Charlotte and everything she’s doing.”

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