Charlemont mum of four Zamika Hunt participated in Aspect’s (Autism Spectrum Australia) Walk for Autism campaign last month to raise understanding following her son Elroy’s diagnosis. She speaks with Jena Carr about what a more inclusive world for autistic people would mean for families like hers.

Elroy Hunt sees beauty in everything and loves to take the time to look at what is often overlooked by many people.

When the five-year-old Charlemont boy was diagnosed with level two autism, it was the beginning of a journey that mum Zamika Hunt, 31, never expected to take with her fourth child.

“Like many parents, I had a picture in my mind of what parenting would look like and what milestones our family would celebrate,” she said.

“One of the biggest challenges after diagnosis was finding the right supports, as there is no handbook that tells you exactly what your child needs.

“I have carried the weight of constantly advocating for him so others could see beyond his challenges and recognise the incredible little person he is.

“We spent countless hours researching therapies, attending appointments, advocating, asking questions, and trying different supports and groups until we found the ones that suited Elroy.

“Receiving his diagnosis meant taking time to process, learn, and grieve the parenting journey I had imagined…but I’m so thankful that I have him.”

Autism presents differently in everyone diagnosed with the condition, with Elroy requiring substantial support for communication and routine challenges.

“We’re used to the stares when he’s not coping with things…and he is quite speech-delayed,” Zamika said.

“We’re on a behavioural plan at school because he does hide under tables and goes non-verbal at times, so sometimes you just need to leave him and let him process it.

“As a parent, you would do anything to make life easier for them, but there have been times when I have worried about Elroy’s future and whether he would be accepted.

“There have been moments of exhaustion, uncertainty, and heartbreak as watching your child struggle in a world that isn’t always that understanding of him can be incredibly difficult.”

Despite the challenges, Zamika said there was “so much joy” in watching Elroy grow into the person he is.

“We’ve had to change the way we look at things, but he…fits into our family, and I think he was the missing piece of the puzzle,” she said.

“The smallest achievements can represent months or even years of hard work, and those moments bring a level of pride that is hard to put into words.

“Elroy has taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of seeing the world differently, and he has shown me that success doesn’t have to look the same for everyone.

“A successful school drop-off, trying new food, coping with a change in routine, joining in with other children, or making it through a difficult day without becoming overwhelmed are all victories worth celebrating.

“I also only went into childcare because of him, as I figured I would not always be there to help him, but I could help children like him, and it’s absolutely changed the way that I look at everything.”

Zamika said that Elroy’s unique way of seeing the world has changed the family’s lives for the better as he helped everyone notice the little things.

“Elroy reminds me every day to slow down, celebrate progress, and find happiness in moments others might miss,” she said.

“He has taught me to see the world through a different lens, which has taught me to celebrate things that many people might take for granted.

“He makes us look at the little things, and every day we come home from school with sticks, rocks and grass in our pockets.

“I honestly love it…and you wouldn’t think that a rock could make the difference to the entire day.”

Aspect held its ninth Walk for Autism campaign last month, with participants encouraged to walk 7000 steps a day for the 70 per cent of autistic people who experience mental health challenges.

Zamika walked 357,205 steps and raised $1007 for the campaign, with her coworkers and family members walking alongside her.

“This walk was about love. Love for my son, pride in how far he has come, and hope for the future,” she said.

“It was also for the future I want him to have, where he is understood, accepted, included, and celebrated for exactly who he is.

“Every step I walked was for Elroy; for the little boy who works so hard every single day and the child who has overcome obstacles many people will never see.

“Autism is not just about challenges; it’s about unique strengths, different perspectives, and incredible determination.

“I chose to participate in the Walk for Autism because I wanted to give back to a community that has supported us and helped us feel less alone.

“The support we have received throughout this fundraiser has been overwhelming, as every donation, message, and word of encouragement has meant more than people realise.”

Elroy also joined in on walks with his mum while dressed up as a duck, which is his favourite animal.

“I like how they swim and that they’re fluffy,” Elroy said while spotting ducks along the Barwon River.

Raising awareness of the realities that many people living with autism face, while also highlighting the positives, was an important goal for Zamika during the campaign.

“I want families who may be at the beginning of their journey to know that they are not alone,” she said.

“Take the time to know that it’s not always going to be what you thought, but it’s going to be something amazing.

“If sharing our story helps even one person better understand autism or makes one family feel less alone, then every step has been worth it.

“The early days after diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but there is support available, there are communities that understand, and there is so much hope.”

Geelong Independent

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