Parents
Barry and Liz Will
Profession:
Real Estate and Finance
Age of parents:
43 and 40
Child’s name:
Garry
Age: 10 Years
Is this your only child?
No, older sister and a younger brother
Diagnosis of child:
Cerebral Palsy and Autism
What are the biggest challenges facing your child on a daily basis?
Garry’s stims this past year have become very constant, worse and loud. He screams a high pitch squeal a great deal of the time and is usually clapping till his hands go red and occasionally blister. Stims are part of life for most autistic people, for Garry they are everyday. Mainly his way to cope with the outside world . The hardest thing is Garry’s stims can be exactly the same for happy or sad, so it’s just learning to read him. To be honest, you can hear him for almost 19 hours of everyday, even whilst asleep he is noisy.
What are the happiest moments you have with your child on a daily basis
Mickey Mouse is and has been Garry’s favourite thing in the world since he was about 1. He watches hours of it each day, it calms him, it makes him happy, it keeps him happy when we are out and about. He only likes Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, he does not like Roadstar Racers and has very specific episodes which he laughs so hard at, that he falls over.
Are you married?
Married.
Has your special needs child had an effect on your marriage?
I have a wonderful husband, what can I say - he loves his family, provides for us, keeps us laughing. He has a special connection to Garry, Garry adores his dad.
Are your family and friends supportive?
It’s lonely, it must be said. But our unit is tight and I’m really proud of how we have all come together, we are a close and loving family. My other children have been shaped by Garry in beautiful ways - they are caring and kind. I’m super proud of them and how they are growing up in this world. It’s not all bad, don’t forget that.
What has your child taught you about yourself, both positively and negatively?
Sweet Garry. You made me a Mummy, a special needs Mummy, a Mummy to a disabled son, a fighter, a carer, a nurse.You made me all these things but the only one I care about is MUMMY. Thank you for teaching me so much, thank you for the giggles and the cuddles. Thanks for teaching my heart how to love, how to cry harder than I ever have, pride at your success. Thank you for educating me and others.
What has made the biggest difference to your child’s quality of life?
Being around his family who love him dearly.
What is your dream for your child?
For Garry to continue finding simple pleasures in the everyday, laughing with your brother and sister, enjoying bath time so much. Garry your heart is pure.
