TRACY Roberts is no stranger to autism.
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She worked with autistic children before her daughter Olivia was diagnosed with the disorder.
“She had a lack of language at two-and-a-half years old,” Ms Roberts said.
“It wasn’t until I took her to a speech therapist when we found out there was a possibility she was autistic.”
Ms Roberts, along with her friend Kylie Firns and her son Wade, participated in the Ballarat Autism Network’s Walk for Autism on Sunday.
The event is held annually to celebrate World Autism Awareness Day on April 2.
About 70 people walked, rode their bicycles or otherwise made their way around a makeshift course at Lake Wendouree.
Bright blue balloons were handed out to children and released to help spread the message.
Ballarat Autism Network president Tricia Murphy said the walk was held to educate the community.
“It’s not about raising awareness of what people with autism can’t do,” she said.
Ms Murphy said there were still misconceptions about autism in the community.
Autism is a lifelong neurological development disability which is characterised by problems with verbal communication or difficulties with social interaction.
Ms Murphy said the network aimed to connect families who were on similar journeys.
“Families are looking for support ... and it’s nice to connect them with other people,” she said.
Both Ms Firns and Ms Roberts have been attending the walk with their children for three years.
“People say to me, ‘(The children) look so normal’,” Ms Firns said.
“They think there is a look about autism and there’s not ... their brains are just wired differently.”
kara.irving@fairfaxmedia.com.au
