(UK) Belfast: Grandfather of 2 with ASD calls for inclusion; "many, many families"

July 25, 2021, Love Belfast: Gary Doherty – raising awareness about Autism https://lovebelfast.co.uk/gary-docherty-autism-awareness/

Autism awareness is on the increase and rightfully so. Many, many families have someone who is autistic. Gary Doherty known in NI for all things empowerment and motivational speaking says “More importantly I’m a husband, father and grandfather at only 45 years of age to not one but two beautiful autistic boys . This is very rare indeed. Gary & his wife assist their daughter in parenting the 2 boys in addition to 3 of their own. They all live together in one home. Gary says the challenges and adversity they have faced both socially and educationally has been immense but it can be overcome. He explains . “As a father of three children myself I had never experienced having an autistic child .My daughter who was in a relationship at the time became pregnant and had a beautiful baby boy , after a short while it was apparent he was autistic and we received the official diagnosis after a period of time. 2 years later the exact same thing again . … 1 year later he attends main stream school and all the fears of anxiety and exclusion flood back: The school showed empathy Andersen truly amazing We fought this time for a assistant with the schools support and support we got one. My grandson is now flourishing !... Gary continues “ We as a society have a lot of work to do so that families like mine don’t feel this way . It happens far too regular and I know we are not alone from social media engagement when I mention it . I would love more businesses and their staff to have more empathy for autistic people. It shouldn’t be a badge of honour if there is a sensory room in a shopping centre. It should be the expected norm: . We need to do better and we can do better. Let’s all be our best selves for the inclusion of everyone in society . We all deserve it:. My two autistic grandsons deserve it ‘