Our Story
On August the 10th, our sweet little girl, Oakie Cove, was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
But my mama heart already knew months if not years before.
We’ve been navigating speech delays, sensory struggles, evaluations, and all the little signs that quietly pointed us here for a while now. But hearing the actual words out loud still hit me harder than I expected.
After the assessment and offical diagnosis appointment, I cried harder than I have in a long time. Not because this was unexpected…it’s not, not because I think there is something “wrong” with her… there isn’t, and not because this changes how deeply i love her… it doesn’t.
It was the release of a thousand emotions all at once.
The fear.
The uncertainty.
The guilt parents carry when we know we shouldn’t.
The mourning of expectations you didn’t even realise you had.
The relief of finally having answers.
The comfort of knowing we understand our little girl a little better now, and can give her the support she deserves.
Because she is still our exact same little girl…She is
Funny.
Beautiful.
Clever.
Sassy.
Wild.
Loving.
Strong.
Perfectly herself.
Nothing about Oakie changed today, We just understand her a little better 🫶🏼
One thing I know for sure is
We will fight for her.
We will advocate for her.
We will support her.
We will celebrate her.
We will learn alongside her.
And we will make sure she always knows that she is deeply, completely and unconditionally loved — exactly as she is.
Oakie Cove… you are still our beautiful, funny, wild, loving little girl. Your diagnosis doesn’t change who you are. It simply helps us understand how to love, support and understand you even better.
I’m joining the movement to Run for Autism. But I need your help.
Why am I running 70km this October? Because 70% of Autistic people face mental health challenges.
I’m running towards a more inclusive world where Autistic Australians have the opportunity to thrive.
Please donate now and show your support to my fundraiser. You’ll be helping provide early diagnosis, autism-specific education, and critical research into mental health issues experienced by Autistic people so they can access the support they need to realise their different brilliant®.
You’ll also give me the motivation I need to log my kilometres as I go the distance throughout October. Donate now to show your support.
Thank you!
