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
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