About
10-year-old Esmay is autistic – and proud of it. She lives in Leicester with her sisters, Daisy and Ngaia; and her legal guardians, Cathy and Derek.
Cathy and Derek have raised Esmay since she was 11-months-old. When their social worker first suggested that Esmay might be on the spectrum, Cathy admits she thought she was ‘mad’.
Discussing her initial reaction, Cathy said: “I thought Esmay’s behaviour was just Esmay being herself. I knew very little about autism, despite being a Nurse. But the more we looked into it the more we could see that she was showing autistic traits.”
Diagnosis
Esmay was assessed and diagnosed in 2020 when she was six-years-old, four years later she was also diagnosed with ADHD. The two conditions very often co-exist, with research suggesting as a many as 70% of autistic people also have ADHD.
“Esmay is very open about being autistic – she tells everyone she meets. I’m incredibly proud of her attitude and enthusiasm for life,” continued Cathy. “It’s been a learning curve over the past few years, there isn’t enough support or guidance for parents and families. But we all want to help Esmay in every way we can – she has a bright future ahead of her.”
School
Despite her upbeat outlook, Esmay has had some challenges. She has significant social needs (often referred to a Social, Emotional and Mental Health [SEMH]) and school has been a challenge.
“Esmay finds school very difficult, the noise and activity overstimulate her. The school has supported her as best they can, but she needs a quieter environment, with less children, which is more tailored to her needs. She’s recently been awarded an EHCP (Education Health Care Plan) so we’re hoping she’ll be able to move schools soon,” continued Cathy. “But I’m sure fellow parents would agree it’s not easy, there aren’t enough SEN schools or places for the number of children that need support.”
Hobbies
Outside of school Esmay is a social butterfly, always on the move and really lets her infectious personality shine. She loves playing with her friend at the local park, gymnastics and her favourite hobby – climbing.
“Climbing is something Derek and Esmay do together – ever since she first went along, she’s been hooked. She climbs four times a week at centres across the East Midlands; it’s a great way for her to release all her excess energy in a safe environment that she loves. She’s the youngest member, everyone there knows and adores her. It’s her absolute favourite thing to do.”
Esmay and Cathy are working with Autism Action to help raise awareness and understanding of autism, and ensure autistic people are treated equally.
Questions with Esmay
What is the best thing about being autistic?
I’m not sure – probably that I am special!
What about the world is hard when you’re autistic?
When people look and stare at me – I don’t like it.
If you could teach people one thing about autism, what would it be?
Even though you have autism you can still be unique.
