About Belle...

I was a quiet and shy child, content talking to what was invisible to others.  I did not know what they were, I simply enjoyed their company believing everyone had the same experiences as me. I could hear flowers, the wind and the moon chattering away. I could see everything moving and pulsating knowing instinctively that everything was alive and had consciousness. 

my shyness was so that I barely spoke unless they were family and even then I spoke only when necessary. I found it much easier to talk to my toys and sweets, even the raindrops! 

Throughout primary school I was deeply affected by bullying, having these 'invisible' friends protected me from the harsh reality of the cruelty I endured. This lasted until I was around 10 years old when I became aware that nobody else close to me experienced the same.

Eventually, I went to college where I flourished, studying early years education and development. I had definitely found my passion. I found engaging with children so energising and free, I learnt so much from them, and as I  thrived in this environment I excelled in my jobs throughout the years.

In 2005 my son was born, life changes when you become a parent and I was no exception. I soon realised around 12 months old that our son was autistic. No one else in my life had a child or family member who was autistic, not to anyone's knowledge.  Not much was known or spoken about it, even in my early year's career, through almost 20 years, only once was autism mentioned as a possibility of diagnosis for a child I cared for, although it was obvious there were many children who were autistic - yet it went unnoticed or misunderstood.

My knowledge of autism was about to escalate rapidly, as with most things in life, reality teaches you the truth through each experience. Being around people teaches you more about any condition if you spend enough time with them and are open to learning and accepting. I was always an open-minded professional, I think my sensitivity helped with that, I have excellent emotional awareness which really helped me and the young children i supported to connect, which created a trust from them - they felt seen and special.

In the years to follow, as a family, we immersed ourselves in autism and sensory enchanced living.

In this immergence many assessments, questionnaires, labels, suggestions, isolation and judgements from strangers came along to name but a few! in the early days of parenting my son I felt pressure in having to make decisions for Jeorge with what seemed like very few choices or professional Services to support us.  this was because services were stretched and any good intentions from professionals was , limited therefore it hardly made a difference. Back then any parent training courses or professional advice all suggested the autistic person in your life needed training in how to be human.  It was jam-packed with unfair and incorrect stereotypes.

Problem-solving structured activities were continuously suggested, focusing soley on behavioural modifications. What I was hearing did not match up with what we were experiencing.  This impacted on me fiercely.  I became frightened and disempowered as a parent, terrified for my son as it seemed the world he lived in did not and would not accept him as he was born.  I decided to turn my back on all that advice and feel our way through what Jeorge needed by observing his behaviours (communication) it became easier almost immediately, I found my voice and self-empowerment. 

In recent months I have discovered myself that I am Neurodivergent, through my son and engaging with many other autistic, ND people I am realising I fit into this realm, which explains much of my younger years and challenges as a teenager. I am pleased to say Jeorge thrives in his life, he is confident and blooming.  I am extremely proud of him. I too feel I am freer to be myself.

Dazlious wishes to support the autistic person by accepting and supporting the individual needs of the children and adults we meet.  We explore this in much more detail in the workshops, discussions and articles shared here.  I am constantly learning and aim to be a positive role model and advocate for my son and our communities.

In the last couple of years, autistic people both verbal and non have set up movements such as 'Neurodiversity' and 'I'm not weird I am autistic', Autism Inclusivity amongst many others.  Facebook groups, blogs, books, festivals, workshops and a variety of social media outlets educate NT (Neurotypical people) about what they need as a society. Finally, an opportunity to learn the truth about autism.  Academics, scientists, doctors, psychologists, parents etc) can become avid and loyal students of the autistic world.  Gone are the times of suppression and disempowerment.  With the kindness, patience, forgiveness and wisdom of those who are autistic NT people can relax and not feel the need to change or fix their autistic children/family members or clients.

Meeting people of all ages on the spectrum I have heard experiences. of Autistic children who have told me they teleport. A young boy I met created water sculptures, yes! water sculptures..(google them)  I have seen the photos and met the young lad who so casually would create beauty right under our noses, yet were unable to 'see' it.  

I am not suggesting that all autistic people have supersonic abilities.  I am highlighting that what may seem as 'inappropriate, meaningless, unacceptable, naughty, non-compliant behaviours' are always meaningful to the person. To really understand autism and be a positive support for those who are autistic, we need to listen to personal experiences and suggestions of support in this non-autistic society.

Behaviours are communication, no exceptions, by learning the language of each child you can begin to see their personality rather than a 'locked in their own world child' (which of course they are not) autistic children are in the same world as anyone - they process and experience it very differently is all.

Empowering parents and carers of autistic children and adults from as young as possible can enable each child to shine and thrive. Autism is not a symbol, label or assessments, doctors, medications, diet sheets or ABA.  It is a different way of being as we continue to evolve on this earth we are learning that to open our hearts and live compassionately makes a happier world.

Some of us are at the beginning, and some are further along in the knowledge of autism.  I feel as a community we can support and guide each other. If we are open to learning the language of autism. Let us celebrate our differences by creating a new language- bilingual in essence of recognising our neuro-diverse world.