The Parenting Spectrum logo (Supplied) Photo: Supplied
Receiving a diagnosis that you or someone you care about is on the autism spectrum is a lot to process and get your head around; for families, loved ones, and for the autistic person themselves.
Fiona Churchman and Travis Saunders got the news about their son Patch when he was just a toddler. Patch is now a 9-year-old and in 'The Parenting Spectrum' Fiona and Travis explore what autism is and what Patch's experiences have taught them. In the process they build up a picture of the things they wish they'd known when Patch first got his diagnosis.
Most of the people they speak to on the show have an autism diagnosis themselves, so often-overlooked perspectives are kept in the foreground. And although the overall tone's inspiring and positive, Fiona and Travis haven't forgotten the hard times when they felt all alone, and at a loss over what to do.
We play some of Episode 1 called 'Diagnosis' from 'The Parenting Spectrum' presented by Travis Saunders and Fiona Churchman, featuring Patch, and produced by Jennifer Lenman for ABC Audio Studios.
