Autism Awareness Month - April 13

 Throughout April we will be sharing a different story each day to help raise Autism Awareness and highlight how peoples' lives have been touched by Autism and Autism Queensland in different ways.

Jodie's Story

This is my story on how Autism Queensland has touched my life.
 
I’m Jodie I have a son Brodie now aged 16. Brodie was diagnosed when he was 4 years old .I thought my whole life was over, only because I didn't understand or know anything about autism. We live in Hervey bay so I travelled to Brisbane and attended a workshop and I have never looked back. My biggest question was is he going to be able to do things like "normal" teenagers and adults even though he was only 4 years old. I wasn't thinking of the now, only the future. I started talking to other mums, carers and staff what a mind changing experience that was. To hear other stories was fantastic, I came home and started to read books working out what worked for Brodie. Here we are now he is 16, year 10 at school and loves school. He has a lot of friends but most of all he has a girl friend - something I never thought I would see as he never would give me a kiss or get close to anyone. He plays the guitar and piano and I am the proudest mum in the world. He now is thinking of studying the rules to get his learners to drive.( shaking in my boots) I know  what ever Brodie sets his mind to he will achieve but it just takes a bit longer. Autism Queensland has touched my life in a good way so AQ, thank you so much.