Link February 2019 Volume 28 Issue 1 | Page 29

acceptance of those on the spectrum within the community”. Nick’s son Marcello and daughter Lucia are both level three on the autism spectrum. “Being level three, Marcello and Lucia are non-verbal, however they make up for it by being exceptionally cheeky and cute,” Nick said. “As neither of our kids are typical developers, I believe that it’s important for my family to share our the most important thing I can do,” stories in a hope to provide a better Michael said. and more widespread understanding Above: Michael and son Connor. Below: Nick and Marcello. Opposite page: Greg and Alex. “The DAD documentary is of the challenges of people with another way I can communicate this learning disabilities. message, and I’m so proud to be a another – but there are few resources part of it.” out there to support dads of children “Our family lives with the motto, ‘different not less’. This is something we want to share with people.” Brisbane-based Associate Autism Awareness Australia on the autism spectrum, who we Chief Executive Officer Nicole know often have very different Rogerson said the film was created experiences to mums. Professor Michael Whelan is an to provide guidance, information and academic, writer and musician. support to fathers with children on Australia brought together a group His son Connor is on the autism the autism spectrum. of dads of all different ages and spectrum and Michael said Connor “When children are diagnosed “That’s why Autism Awareness vastly different backgrounds to tell had inspired him to become an with autism, the support structures their stories – stories of success, of autism advocate and share his in place are often tailored towards struggle and of family. family’s story. mothers – but where does that leave As well as being in the DAD film, Michael wrote a memoir titled The Other Country: A Father’s Journey the dads?” she said. “Sharing stories and experiences is how we learn and support one “Each one of them is different, but with one thing in common – a child on the autism spectrum.” www.dadfilm.com.au with Autism, and has previously written a documentary for Autism Awareness Australia called What are you doing? – an educational film for schools on social inclusion and autism. As Associate Professor in Music in the Creative Industries Faculty at Queensland University of Technology, his research is focussed on post- school transition for young people on the autism spectrum. “For me, educating the community and creating pathways for children with autism like my son is linkonline.com.au issues 29