Parents' journey: Love and resilience in the face of autism
We recently spoke with Kevin Norbury and Kelly Chapman who shared their heartfelt journey as the parents of Kelvin, a 15-year-old boy diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at just 18 months old.
As one of the young people supported by Haines House, a full-time residential home for children with autism and learning disabilities at the Together Trust charity, Kelvin’s story highlights the struggles and triumphs faced by families navigating the complexities of autism.
Kevin opened up about his initial struggles as a parent, recalling a time when he had little understanding of autism:
This lack of knowledge and support, coupled with the psychological burdens often experienced by parents of children with disabilities, initially left Kevin feeling lost and overwhelmed. As Kelvin’s needs became increasingly demanding, Kevin found himself grappling with his own mental health issues while striving to provide the best care for his son.
The transition to Haines House offered a glimmer of hope, though tinged with parental apprehension. Kevin expressed concern over the stigma surrounding care homes and the thought of what might happen to his beloved son
“You immediately think of the worst when your child goes into care, but the team at Haines House quickly alleviated my fears,” he said.
The support from the Haines House team has not only provided Kelvin with the care he needs but has also played a crucial role in helping Kevin navigate his own journey as a father.
“They’ve always kept us informed about how Kelvin is doing, and they’ve worked hard to build a close relationship with us,” Kevin noted.
Kevin’s bond with Kelvin remains unbreakable, despite the challenges that arise from communication struggles due to Kelvin’s non-verbal nature.
Gratitude has transformed into action for Kevin, who now volunteers at Haines House, immersing himself in gardening and other activities to express his thanks to the team.
“I started volunteering as my way of saying ‘thank you’ to the team,” he said. Kevin has also penned a heartfelt poem, detailing the emotional landscape of parenting a child with autism—a poignant tribute to the challenges and celebrations encountered along the way.
As Kelvin continues to thrive under the care of Haines House, Kevin’s journey illustrates not only the challenges faced by parents of children with autism but also the dedication and resilience required from caregivers in the autism community. Their story encapsulates that, despite the obstacles, the bond between a parent and child can grow and flourish in the most unexpected ways.
