No one said raising a family was easy but for parents raising children with a disability the task can be a bit harder.
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Wagga father, Geoff Seymour, said his family has been through some low and tough times while raising his son, Jaz.
Jaz has autism, is non-verbal and cannot handle social situations or large crowds.
“It’s the demand of a child who never grows up,” Mr Seymour said.
In the autism spectrum he would be classed as moderate to severe but he also loves driving (as a passenger), being outdoors and going to school.
A lack of sleep and full time hands on care keep both Geoff and his wife Rachelle very busy. Mr Seymour’s parents are also around to help care for 12-year-old Jaz.
“We are lucky and blessed to have family and friends around us,” Mr Seymour said.
However, it isn’t just the physical side which can be a challenge the family finds finances tough at times.
Going to various doctors, keeping up with the latest theories and attending conferences around Australia all come at a cost. Mrs Seymour is currently in Brisbane at an autism conference.
However, these costs are necessary to be able to properly care for Jaz.
Jaz currently likes to wear several jackets which help make him feel safe and secure.
It wasn’t always like this, last summer he didn’t like wearing clothes but these changes in behaviour are known as ticks and come and go.
Mr Seymour said even picking up one hint from conferences makes them worth it and encourages families to attend the free seminar to be held in Wagga this week.
The Triple P group organised two seminars and Wagga last month with a third coming up this week.
The seminar will be held on September 16 at the Wagga RSL from 9.30am to 11.30am.
To attend the final seminar on changing problem behaviour into positive behaviour registration is vital.
Contact the Triple P team on (02) 9114 4106 or email fhs.steppingstones@sydney.edu.au to register.