I have just finished attending webinar hosted by @wwda_au on NDIS and Gender. Amazing source of information and support.

I am not overly surprised to report that there are more males receiving NDIS support then females. Which is not a direct relationship between the number of men vs females with disabilities. So what you might say.

I can only provide insight from my experience and knowledge.

From my son's journey, and my own research and contemplations I see myself on the spectrum. I am fairly typical in the female presentation of autism, and I am getting quicker at identifying my own stress, sensory overwhelm, emotional shut down and numbing behaviour.

Here is the jam, I will promote and support any parent going through the assessment and NDIS processes because it makes a difference. I will encourage parents to not fear the process, to ask me all the questions, to move the fear, to get the support, to see that your child will be your child whether you get the diagnosis or not, but how much stress and burden it can be without a diagnosis. I cheer on as other mothers are getting their diagnosis, because like me, through support their child's journey they have found a place for them.

Yet, me, I am scared to do it for myself. I have a diagnosis of dyslexia, maybe that is enough. That is enough to know my brain is different. I know in myself that I am different. Why should I face the process? Maybe I shouldn't rock the boat, be grateful for what I have. Be quite, sit still, shut up.

Maybe that is why there is significantly less females supported by NDIS. Because I am scared that what I feel is true, is wrong. That I will be told that my difference just doesn’t have a place. That I don’t have a place. That yet again I misunderstood what was happening, and I will be made to feel a fool. I can pass. I can get through.

But have I really been thriving or just surviving.

So it is with great pride to say, that I will be taking an assessment, in steps to get a formal diagnosis, and NDIS support.

The process starts in October.

Be the change you want to see.