Former Home and Away star and radio host Christie Hayes has spoken candidly about life with her 11-year-old son Hendrix, who has level 3 autism.
Hayes, who played Kirsty Sutherland on Home and Away for more than a decade, said raising awareness is a deeply personal mission for her family, and is encouraging Ausies to take part in the Walk For Autism campaign.
Speaking on The Morning Show, she reflected on some of the challenges her family has faced.
“Hendrix didn’t say the word mum until he was four … I’ve never really heard him … I’ve never had a proper conversation with my son,” she said.
“I see the way that he is so different, and I think the world needs to be more patient with people who live with autism.”
Hayes is encouraging Australians to take part in Walk For Autism this May, a fundraising and awareness initiative where participants aim to walk 7,000 steps a day.
“People with autism don’t always live in a world that’s built for them. We need to have inclusivity,” she said.
“There are wonderful days, but there’s also really hard days. Meltdowns, lack of sleep. It is difficult at times.”
The campaign invites participants to walk 7,000 steps a day for a week, fortnight or the entire month of May, with funds raised supporting Australians with autism and their families across all stages of life.
Image: The Morning Show
