ANNIE’S STORY

Annie is a volunteer for our East Belfast Support Group.

I have 2 children aged 14 and 16 on the spectrum, and when my son was diagnosed I quickly learnt that it was very difficult navigating through most of our days.  

I went along to an Autism NI Support Group, and I knew I had found support that I hadn't felt until that meeting. I continued to attend and quickly became a volunteer. I no longer felt alone and lost in how to help my children.

Autism NI helped me be the parent my children needed, and the mum I always wanted to be. They have guided me through many very hard times. and from early on I knew I wanted to help support others, and they continue to support me and my family.  

The best part of volunteering is trying to help people feel even a little less alone, raising awareness of the support Autism NI offers, and hopefully sharing my experiences to help others.  

If you are going to volunteer, find something that you are passionate about and you will get so much back!

For more information on how you can get involved, visit www.autismni.org/volunteer or call us on 028 9040 1729 (option 1).