MELBOURNE: A mother-of-four is calling for a more “autism-friendly community”, urging people to be less judgemental of those who are neurodivergent.
Zamika Hunt said her five-year-old son Elroy – who has been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) – experienced the world differently to most others.
“Everyday situations can present challenges, particularly when it comes to sensory processing, communication, emotional regulation, social interactions, and changes to routine,” Ms Hunt said.
“There are times when he can become overwhelmed by things others may not even notice, and navigating environments that are not designed with autistic people in mind can be exhausting for him.”
For the 31-year-old early childhood educator, the walk was an opportunity to start conversations about autism, challenge stereotypes and work towards a more “autism-friendly community”.
“As parents of autistic children, we often become accidental advocates,” she said.
“We don’t choose this role, but we step into it because we love our children and want the world to understand them.”
Ms Hunt said watching her children struggle was one of the hardest parts of being a parent.
“When Elroy was first diagnosed, I took time to grieve the parenting journey I thought I would have,” she said.
“Over time, I learned that our journey was simply going to look different, not less meaningful.
“The hardest moments are often not the challenges autism itself brings but seeing Elroy misunderstood by others.”
She is now advocating for others to “choose understanding before judgement” in order to foster a more accepting community.
“Autism is not always visible, and behaviours that may seem unusual or challenging can often be a person’s way of communicating, regulating, or coping with their environment,” she said.
“Communities can become more autism-friendly by educating themselves about autism, listening to autistic people and their families, providing sensory-friendly options where possible, and recognising that every autistic person is different.”
Ms Hunt walked more than 350,000 steps in May as part of Aspect’s national campaign, Walk for Autism, raising more than $1000 for the not-for-profit support service.
According to an Aspect spokeswoman, participants of the Walk for Autism are encouraged to walk 7000 steps a day for the 70 per cent of autistic people who experience mental health challenges, often linked to living in environments that are not autism-friendly.