By Esther Lauaki
Mum on a mission, Jessie Smart, wants to help others understand autism better.
The Hoppers Crossing mother of two sons takes every opportunity to educate people on the developmental disorder and earlier this year raised $14,000 for Autism Spectrum Australia as part of Walk to Autism month.
“My oldest son Liam is five but he was diagnosed at three and a half,” Ms Smart said.
“We navigated all the services
and information available to us and some
were helpful but it was difficult for us to understand.”
Ms Smart and her family, husband Kevin, Liam and four-year-old Zac, walked at least 20,000 steps a day for eight days for the fundraiser which wrapped up last month.
“I’ve got two small boys, so I would clock up 20,000 steps in one day just chasing after them,” she said. “We all go out for walks, we’re always out and about.”
Her aim is to change perceptions of autism.
“There’s a lot of stigma attached to it and it is difficult for us to accept,” Ms Smart said.
“Autism is only a small aspect of what makes up my kid … he might miss a few social cues.
“Liam is very funny, he likes his numbers. He will repeat sports scores, who scored the goal, what team.
“He’s big into sports.
“He never wants anyone to miss out and … he follows the beat of his own drum.”
