Sheffield parents want to challenge myths around autistic kids
A group of parents want to change the way people think about kids with autism.
A group of parents in South Yorkshire whose children have autism are hoping to challenge some of the myths around the condition.
Sparkle Sheffield was set up by Liesje Dusauzay after her son Jayden was diagnosed with it because she struggled to find support and advice.
A sponsored walk was held in the Peace Gardens with mums and dads and their kids who have the condition taking part.
Liesje wants to change the way people think about kids who are autistic and to stop them being seen as naughty or rude.
She said:
"The whole thing is to raise awareness. We're hoping our children behave the way they normally do so people can see how difficult it is for them to do simple things like going to town, or the shop or going to the Peace Gardens. It's difficult for them because they're autistic.
"It's a battle on its own without the extra stress of people staring. I want people to stop and think 'is that child naughty or does that child have autism?' Our children look completely normal. Autism is an invisible disability and it's so important that people understand that.
"Even professionals have said to some of the parents that it's about bad parenting and not down to the child having autism. That hurts."
A campaign's also been launched to help raise awareness of what it's like living with autism.
The Sparkle group's produced a video they're hoping people will share.
It tells the story of a child with autism going to a supermarket and experiencing a 'meltdown'.
There's more information about the group here.