"I want people to feel heard, understood, accepted, supported and encouraged,” said Melissa Reece.
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The mum of a 14-year-old diagnosed with Asperger’s at two and who received a diagnosis herself in August last year at 47, has created a support group in the Manning.
The Taree Autism Support Group – Meet and Share comes together on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month at River City Church (it is a non-church related group). The next meeting is Tuesday March 27. A representative from the St Vincent de Paul Local Area Coordination program will attend to speak about the NDIS.
The meetings are informal and Melissa has received positive feedback already, with attendees saying it was a relief to know they weren’t alone in how they have managed over the years and to hear people speaking so openly and honestly.
The group is for anyone affected by autism or who has autism in the family.
“What we want is to support one another, share strategies, end feelings of isolation and share resources.
“We want to have speakers so people can be aware of the local services available and hopefully one day funding to have a library. It’s going to be needs based on what members of the group need,” she said. “I wished when I was beginning someone said that what you’re going through is normal and it’s okay.
“It's important for me that parents have a place to voice how they feel while they are going through those stages, which can include denial, anger, guilt and sadness and grieving.”
Following Oscar’s diagnosis at two, Melissa started research so she could give him the best prognosis and outcomes in life. That meant attending seminars and workshops, and lots of reading. She has nephews and other family members on the autism spectrum and after recognising some traits in herself was diagnosed last year. “It has meant what I experienced and the challenges I have faced are very typical of people on the spectrum. It kind of normalised me.”
She is working towards becoming an autism consultant. For more information about the group contact Melissa on 0425 317 160.