Jeff Huddlestone
FAMILIES living with neurodiversity are able to secure help in Mount Gambier/Berrin through Stepping Stones Wellbeing.
In 2022, registered counselor Karmyn Smith opened the counseling and referral service which specialises in autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), down syndrome, oppositional defiant disorder and global deregulation delay.
Ms Smith offers appointments and access to a broad range of sensory products and aids at her office on Margaret Street or through her website.
Currently doing a postgraduate study in education while specialising in autism, Ms Smith hopes to take Stepping Stones into the education system.
With two of her three children being on the autism spectrum, Ms Smith said the first stepping stone for families was realising they need help and reaching out for it.
“For me it was just about letting go of the stigma, changing the process as a parent and knowing my children are getting to see their world and experiences differently and embracing the differences,” Ms Smith said.
“Taking away my own biases and building up their foundations.”
With this lived experience, Ms Smith began Stepping Stones Wellbeing to provide support to other parents such as Odile who has three children undiagnosed but exhibiting traits associated with autism.
These include not enjoying classroom environments, noise, lacking self confidence, showing brilliance in particular activities and suffering trauma after their father passed away.
Currently, Ms Smith has several clients ranging from the ages of six to adolescence while also networking within the community to try and provide early intervention for parents of children with autistic conditions.
Throughout the community, Ms Smith continued to work alongside Oatmill Cinema to provide sensory film screenings while also approaching the Wulanda Recreation Centre for swimming sessions and local hospitality businesses to provide dining experiences for people with autism.
Odile said there were long waiting lists including two years for pediatric and psychiatric services.
“I have nothing but good things to say about Karmyn and iIt is a massive relief
that someone understands at long last what I’m going through,” Odile said.
“I can talk to her about how I’m feeling and it’s hard, a matter of constantly putting your hand up for help.”
She has noticed progress in her children since receiving counseling.
“People on the outside might not see a lot of progress, but if you live with it day-to-day, you can see the progress,” Odile said
“My hope is the government will do something about the long waiting lists as we need help.”
Ms Smith also said there was a “massive need” for neurodiverse services within the Limestone Coast and had previously contacted the State Government about funding possibilities.
“We need a community hub to help neurodivergent families ,something we can all link into,” Ms Smith said.
“South Australia is the current leader in autism inclusion so there are a lot of opportunities to expand on that.”
She said the hub should include sensory rooms, occupational and speech therapists and other professionals in the neurodiverse sector.
Ms Smith offers appointments and access to a broad range of sensory products and aids at her office on Margaret Street or through her website.
The Stepping Stones Well-being counseling service and parent support group is held every second Sunday at the Mount Gambier Library.
