Natalie shares with us how she brings her experience as a parent of a child with Autism into the Making Waves Foundation to support the Winds of Joy Program.
One significant moment occurred when Naterlie and her family participated in a special sailing day with the Making Ways Foundation. Families of volunteers were invited to bring their partners and children, and it was Quinn’s first time on a sailboat.
When they first stepped onto the boat, Quinn was uneasy and wanted to get off. But as soon as the yacht was underway, everything changed. A huge smile spread across his face—one of the biggest his family had ever seen. In that instant, his whole demeanour shifted. It seemed that feeling the ocean beneath him unlocked a new sense of joy.
Having firsthand experience as a parent to a neurodivergent child gave Natalie an advantage in understanding how to communicate with children who had diverse needs. Whether their ability to express themselves was limited or non-existent, or whether their emotions were heightened, she knew how to approach them in a way that made them feel comfortable.
As a mother to a child with severe autism, who had been non-verbal for most of his life, Natalie deeply appreciated the importance of these programs. She hoped that those involved in the Making Ways Foundation understood just how life-changing their contributions could be, even if it meant giving just one child a memorable day.
I don’t feel angry at these people because I know I was one of them
When strangers judged Natalie and her family, particularly Quinn, she did not feel anger towards them. She understands their perspective because she had once been in their shoes, lacking experience, unaware of the realities of disability. Whenever she had the chance to explain, most people would respond with apologies, saying they hadn’t realised. It was never about “them versus us,” but rather about spreading awareness—that just because a child appears typical does not mean they are.
