Ollie Simpson

Unravelling the Puzzle - Autism Our Daughter and Our Journey

In the quiet moments of our lives, there exist stories that shape us, redefine us, and leave us forever changed. Today, I want to share a story that has unfolded in our family.

Earlier this year, our 17-year-old daughter, Evie, was diagnosed with autism. It was a moment that provided us with answers to many questions  that had been lurking in the depths of our minds for years.

For the past 2.5 years, our family has been grappling with a severe eating disorder that had taken hold of Evie. It was a relentless battle that seemed to defy all our efforts to understand and overcome. Every meal was a struggle, every day a rollercoaster of emotions. We all felt lost, helpless, and above all, fearful for her well-being.

But although the diagnosis didn’t change everything. Suddenly, the pieces began to fall into place. We realised that her eating disorder was, in many ways, a manifestation of her struggle with autism. It was her way of coping with a world that often felt overwhelming and unpredictable.

Autism is like a secret garden within a person’s mind. It’s a unique way of experiencing the world, one that often defies conventional understanding. Evie obviously sees the world through a different lens, and that’s something to be celebrated, not feared.

As a family, we have to embrace this new chapter in our lives. The diagnosis has shed light on the behaviors that had both confused and amazed us for years. But, I will be the first to admit, I still struggle, really struggle with how to act and behave in certain situations. It’s a continual learning process, one that I’m working on, as we navigate this unique journey with Evie. 

My wife and son have been nothing short of amazing in their understanding of Evie and how to communicate with her, especially in the darkest times. They have been incredible.

We’re continuing to learn to appreciate the beauty of Evie’s unique perspective and we’ve adjusted our strategies to provide her with the support and understanding she needs.

And it’s not just our daughter who is on this journey. We have nieces who are also affected by autism. This diagnosis has given us a deeper understanding of their experiences and what they will have to face growing up.

Autism is not a burden; it’s a different way of being. It’s a reminder that diversity is a gift, and every individual has their own intricacies. Our daughter’s diagnosis has taught us that love and acceptance are the keys to unlocking the full potential of those on the autistic spectrum.

Autism is now part of our story, It’s just another piece in the mosaic of our lives.