World Autism Awareness Day: Mother shares story to help others with condition

Katherine Dunn, aged 52, Ivy House Road, Kings Norton, was only diagnosed with autism in 2013 after a major breakdown at work led her to undergo tests for the condition.

Miss Dunn's children James, 21, and Ellie, 12, also have the developmental disability, which affects the brain and the person's ability to communicate, form relationships and understand abstract concepts.

She said: "I always knew I was different, since I was a toddler. The condition only really majorly manifested itself when I attended secondary school. I moved into this totally overwhelming environment and couldn't understand why my peers were behaving the way they were.

"I thought the only way I could be like them and get some control was by controlling what I ate. So I developed very bad anorexia, to the point where I collapsed in school. Now there's research to show how girls with anorexia are more likely to have autism."

Now Miss Dunn understands why she and her children behave differently in certain circumstances.

She said: "It's very easy for us to become very stressed and not be able to cope. We don't cope well with much stress and become mute or withdrawn or even hide.

"I can now say to people, as can my children, 'Look, I have this condition, and this is what it means, so if I'm reacting a certain way, that's why.'"

Miss Dunn has also been able to provide a unique perspective on the condition to her children.

"I just understand," she said. "We're like the perfect team. As a result of our understanding we have become very close. As a team we can go to certain events and though we will all react slightly differently, we can understand where that reaction comes from. It's extremely complex but because we are tuned into each other, we can help each other feel better."

Miss Dunn hopes that by sharing hers and her family's story, she can encourage more parents and people affected by the condition to seek further help and support.

"It's a proven fact that many of the major inventors, professors and important people in history had Autism. That shows how, with the right support, children and adults with the condition can be successful - in the right environment and with the right support.

"They can absolutely fly."

The family, who frequently visit Autism West Midlands head office, on George Road, Edgbaston, encourage others to do the same.

"Autism West Midlands is invaluable, as the staff all understand the condition and are able to help individuals and families to understand what is happening and why and help them to see the positives and to recognise their self worth which is very important. Without this support my family and I would not be as stable as we are now."

"I just want to say, come on let's address this condition to make sure no one with Autism ends up isolated or in a life of misery. You can be so successful and there are places out there that can really help."