Understanding what it’s like to live with an autistic child

On behalf of other families we hope, and our own, we would like to personally and publicly thank Alisa Haworth for her hard work, determination and the need to help the people of Clitheroe and the Ribble Valley understand how it feels to live with a child or relative who is on the Autistic Spectrum.

Tyler (6) and Alisa Haworth outside the Party People shop which is helping to promote Autism awareness.

We were overwhelmed by the support she received from the local shops in town in #lightitupblue Autism Awareness Week. Having a child on the spectrum and living with Autism, everyday is the same yet different. It is emotionally and physically demanding. What Alisa has done, we hope, is make the people we meet on a daily basis a little more aware and understanding of how our children view the world. In many cases, they are hypersensitive to noise and also have a need to just “fit in” (routine is the key).

So if you see us in the street or supermarket having a hard time, please don’t stare or give a sigh of disapproval – ask us if we need anything and don’t be disgruntled if we say “no thank you”!

We’re personally blessed to have a beautiful child in our lives, no matter how hard work it must seem at times, and we know many people in this world find it hard to conceive. We’re grateful every single day... Alisa, thank you for all you’ve done, you’re an inspiration to many.

Adam, Joanne and Theo Jackson,

Clitheroe