![SMILES ALL ROUND: Rosie, 3, enjoyed the children's activities at the Ballarat Austim Expo on Saturday. Picture: Dylan Burns SMILES ALL ROUND: Rosie, 3, enjoyed the children's activities at the Ballarat Austim Expo on Saturday. Picture: Dylan Burns](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/35GDCNTxKANDXVPQCQvNHBi/15607ad1-aed4-418c-a7ed-1d2f0eafa94d.JPG/r141_70_3072_1989_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Superheroes flew to Ballarat to raise awareness of a worthy cause. Among the hundreds who gathered at the Mercure Convention Centre for Ballarat's Autism Expo were Batman and Superman. Expo committee member Coral Loader said raising awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was the key to empowering those who have the condition.
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Ms Loader’s son, Corey 15, has the condition. Ms Loader has worked tirelessly alongside a group of committee members including specialists, parents of children with ASD and residents who are on the spectrum to shine the light on the condition.
![SUPER CAUSE: Superheroes Batman and Superman with Leo,4, and his mum Samantha Haintz. Picture: Dylan Burns SUPER CAUSE: Superheroes Batman and Superman with Leo,4, and his mum Samantha Haintz. Picture: Dylan Burns](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/35GDCNTxKANDXVPQCQvNHBi/bf676175-db79-4d5c-a422-b07fcd2b7f59.JPG/r867_197_3821_2974_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
“The expo gives people a chance to tell their stories to people they can relate to,” Ms Loader said. “A lot of people who have stalls have children with autism or are on the spectrum themselves so it really gives it a human touch which is very special.”
Speakers at the event ranged from high-achieving professionals who have ASD to educational professionals with advice for parents.