Autism Recovery Event – A day of Support, Information, Recovery and Celebration for flood-affected Autistic families

The 2022 flooding events were particularly challenging for Autistic families who struggle with any kind of change. To lose homes, schools, belongings, routine, structure, anything tangible to hang on to was incredibly destabilising.

With a Flood Relief Grant from Northern Rivers Community Foundation, Autism Camp Australia planned an event to aid recovery and provide support and information specific to the needs of disaster-affected Autistic families.

CEO and Founder of Autism Camp Australia Rachel Rowe recounted,

“The event went off without a hitch. The sun shone and the little green patch at the Quadrangle, in the middle of a devastated city and region, became a place of joy for a whole community and a metaphor for hope and recovery.

Our local Autistic and non-Autistic community had a familiar, accessible and safe space to gather and connect, amidst the devastation caused by the floods. Attendees were able to share their experiences with each other, and access much-needed flood recovery support, from their community and on-site local service providers.”

For many families, it was the first time they were able to truly relax, smile, laugh and have a bit of fun in a long time.

One of the families who attended the day shared this heartfelt message with Autism Camp Australia, demonstrating the impact the event had for her family:

“I truly cannot tell you what today has meant to us. I still have a lump in my throat when I think about it. For the first time since Zoe was maybe 2, we’ve not stumbled home mentally and physically exhausted after being out. It is the longest we’ve ever been out of the house! I don’t think I’ve ever really, truly realised how hard the world is to live in for Zoe and her kin until we experienced the ease of today.”

If this good news story resonated with you and you are in a position to donate, we’d love your support for the ongoing recovery of our region. You can donate here:  https://bit.ly/3nparBT