AGXStarseed
Well-Known Member
(Not written by me)
Glenn Gameson-Burrows, whose daughter Aneira was diagnosed with autism, has begun a photography project in a bid to dispel myths around the condition
A dad-of-two who has a young daughter with autism has begun a photography project to raise awareness of the “misunderstood” disorder.
Hospital worker Glenn Gameson-Burrows, whose two-year-old daughter Aneira was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in December, hopes the project will dispel some myths around the condition.
The 33 year old has 11 children and two adults with ASD taking part in the project, called “Magpie” and aims to showcase his work at an exhibition in May.
Lack of understanding
“I am shocked by the lack of understanding of ASD not just in Wales but in Britain,” he said.
“The aim of the project is to raise awareness through a documentary-style approach. The condition really interests and fascinates me.”
'We knew the signs to look out for'
Glenn, who lives in Raglan, Monmouthshire , first noticed there was something unusual about Aneira’s behaviour at just 10 months old.
“There are two boys on my wife’s side of the family who are autistic, so we knew the signs to look for,” he said.
“Aneira was walking at a normal age but there was no attempt at talking at all.
“She would never make eye contact, even with her parents, and she only began responding to her name six months ago.
“She doesn’t like anyone entering her personal space and she doesn’t play with toys normally, often putting them in her mouth.
“One good example of her behaviour was when we went to the park one day.
“My older daughter Ffion went up the steps and slid down the slide, but Aneira walked up the slide and slid down the steps.
“She just looks at the world differently.”
'People perceive it as bad parenting'
Glenn, who works as a specialist anaesthetist theatre practitioner at Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny , said he “pushed and pushed” to get the toddler diagnosed.
He said one of the toughest and most heartbreaking aspects of being a dad to Aneira is when she suffers a “meltdown”.
He added: “A lot of people see my daughter having a meltdown and perceive it as bad parenting or the child being naughty.
“But if she has a meltdown you cannot comfort her whatsoever to the point she’s even banging her head against a wall or on the floor. It’s distressing to see.”
Glenn says most of his photographs show the typical symptoms and behaviours of ASD, such as the flapping of the hands and interacting with objects in an unorthodox way.
'The most caring, creative people'
But he added: “I really do think parents with children who have ASD are no different to any other parent.
“The children and adults I have met are some of the most caring, creative people. We have now built up a circle of friends who share advice and stories.
“And my wife Angharad has been brilliant. She the one who first noticed Aneira’s symptoms and adjusts her care to help her develop.”
Aneira, who Glenn describes as a “fun” little girl, has progressed well since she joined a crèche in their community.
Glenn hopes the project will help families diagnose their children more quickly so they can get the additional care and support they need.
SOURCE: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/h...rfectly-capture-how-10705330#comments-section
Glenn Gameson-Burrows, whose daughter Aneira was diagnosed with autism, has begun a photography project in a bid to dispel myths around the condition
A dad-of-two who has a young daughter with autism has begun a photography project to raise awareness of the “misunderstood” disorder.
Hospital worker Glenn Gameson-Burrows, whose two-year-old daughter Aneira was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in December, hopes the project will dispel some myths around the condition.
The 33 year old has 11 children and two adults with ASD taking part in the project, called “Magpie” and aims to showcase his work at an exhibition in May.
Lack of understanding
“I am shocked by the lack of understanding of ASD not just in Wales but in Britain,” he said.
“The aim of the project is to raise awareness through a documentary-style approach. The condition really interests and fascinates me.”
'We knew the signs to look out for'
Glenn, who lives in Raglan, Monmouthshire , first noticed there was something unusual about Aneira’s behaviour at just 10 months old.
“There are two boys on my wife’s side of the family who are autistic, so we knew the signs to look for,” he said.
“Aneira was walking at a normal age but there was no attempt at talking at all.
“She would never make eye contact, even with her parents, and she only began responding to her name six months ago.
“She doesn’t like anyone entering her personal space and she doesn’t play with toys normally, often putting them in her mouth.
“One good example of her behaviour was when we went to the park one day.
“My older daughter Ffion went up the steps and slid down the slide, but Aneira walked up the slide and slid down the steps.
“She just looks at the world differently.”
'People perceive it as bad parenting'
Glenn, who works as a specialist anaesthetist theatre practitioner at Nevill Hall Hospital in Abergavenny , said he “pushed and pushed” to get the toddler diagnosed.
He said one of the toughest and most heartbreaking aspects of being a dad to Aneira is when she suffers a “meltdown”.
He added: “A lot of people see my daughter having a meltdown and perceive it as bad parenting or the child being naughty.
“But if she has a meltdown you cannot comfort her whatsoever to the point she’s even banging her head against a wall or on the floor. It’s distressing to see.”
Glenn says most of his photographs show the typical symptoms and behaviours of ASD, such as the flapping of the hands and interacting with objects in an unorthodox way.
'The most caring, creative people'
But he added: “I really do think parents with children who have ASD are no different to any other parent.
“The children and adults I have met are some of the most caring, creative people. We have now built up a circle of friends who share advice and stories.
“And my wife Angharad has been brilliant. She the one who first noticed Aneira’s symptoms and adjusts her care to help her develop.”
Aneira, who Glenn describes as a “fun” little girl, has progressed well since she joined a crèche in their community.
Glenn hopes the project will help families diagnose their children more quickly so they can get the additional care and support they need.
SOURCE: http://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/h...rfectly-capture-how-10705330#comments-section
