autism
By Dave Fagg
All about advocacy
Daniel Giles has received many accolades for his disability
advocacy, including a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM)
in 2017. But it’s been a long journey from early childhood.
I
meet Daniel Giles and his father,
Daniel describes his personal
As he grew up, Daniel became
Daryl (pictured), in a local cafe experience of autism: “When I was a passionate about organisations like
on an overcast Bendigo day. As toddler I noticed I played differently schools and churches becoming more
we tuck into lunch, they share their to my cousins. And at school, it felt inclusive of people on the autism
family’s journey with autism. When like I was behind a glass wall, as spectrum, because he believes these
Daniel was a small child, Daryl though there was a video playing but communities can be so positive for
noticed something different about his I couldn’t step in and take part.” children and young people.
son, leading to a diagnosis of autism
at age two-and-a-half.
However, this did not prevent him
“The church has been such a
from progressing through life. He great place for me, and my greatest
attended a special school, then made supporters are in the church, yet
compared to other kids his age. He the shift to mainstream school and there is still a need for attitudes and
also had a red toy car that he would later completed a Bachelor of Graphic practices to shift,” Daniel said.
ride in exactly the same route, and Design (Honours). Daniel now lives would get very upset if we tried to independently and works as a graphic giving talks on the autism spectrum to
vary that,” Daryl said. designer. community groups when he was just
“Daniel didn’t have much speech
Fifteen years ago, he took action,
a teenager. This grew into Speaking
Insights, where Daniel tells his story,
and gives practical strategies for
families and educators.
“People come to learn from
someone with ‘lived experience’, and I
think it’s important for people to hear
the experience of family members.
That’s why my father is involved, and
often my sister, Leah, will also take
part,” Daniel said.
Daryl said that families often come
looking for a way forward.
“Sometimes they’re in tears with
the hope it’s given them and their
children, just seeing Daniel’s success,”
Daryl said.
Receiving an OAM was
unexpected, but Daniel said he was
honoured. After hearing his story, it’s
an honour that is richly deserved.
www.speakinginsights.com.au
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autism
linkonline.com.au