'Magical' lives to be showcased as Millom bids to become autism friendly community

Five-year-old Jesse Evans became an internet sensation after he was filmed signing and dancing with a brass band performing Christmas carols in December.

After beginning a blog to showcase his adventures, Jesse's parents Stephen and Bettina Evans hope to help everyone in Millom understand the "magical" side of autism.

Mr Evans said: "We have all the difficult issues with autism but we don't like to focus on that. We look at the positive aspects and their achievements.

"Everyone who has got an autistic child has their own issues but when they reach these milestones it's magical.

"That's why we've started the blog. We want to share our experiences and hope that other families share their own special moments too. That’s what we are hoping to capture."

As members of support group Autism Around the Combe, the family hope to establish Millom as an autism friendly community.

Mr Evans said: "There's not a lot of support and no specialist schools. It is a ticking time-bomb in Millom.

"The government funds so many hours but the schools have to fund the rest out of their budgets and there isn't enough places.

"That's why Autism Around the Combe is trying to make schools more accessible for autistic children."

Working alongside not-for-profit support organisation Autus, the group are helping businesses around the town better understand the condition.

Mr Evans said: "We’re working with cafes to help develop their menus and show teach them about autistic children in social settings. That’s the first thing we’re trying to achieve.

"The main goal is support. If there is an issue we want people to have a network and someone to email or meet up with and help with their problems. We are trying to recognise the issues and are trying to improve it for the children coming along.

"Sensory equipment is quite expensive too, so we’ve bought lots of things for people to try out and see if it works before they go out and buy it.

"It’s about teaching everyone about autism, especially businesses, and that’s why Autus helps. They make sure there’s lots of activities for autistic children at school and during holidays."

Since starting in December, the Facebook group has more than 600 followers, and has been mentioned in parliament by Copeland MP Trudy Harrison.

Mr Evans said: "When we go into supermarkets everyone knows Jesse, but there is so much going on that he just shuts down.

"The blog is to show people the real Jesse when he is in his comfort zone.

"There are hundreds of families like us living the same. One of the beautiful things about autism is that you make so many friends through the support networks. I can be a very isolating condition."

Autus was founded by autism practitioner Jemma Swales, and helps children around south Cumbria.

Miss Swales, who has been working with Jesse for 18 months, said: "There are difficulties and a there’s a lot to manage and understand, but there’s so many amazing things that come from having an autistic mind.

"It gets overshadowed but our world is a lot richer for having autism in it. I learn so much from the moments Jesse lets me into his world and I feel honoured to be able to be a part of it.

"Stephen has been a great fundraiser for us and is doing a great job at raising awareness of autism."

Local families praised for home-grown support network

Having worked with Autus around Cumbria for seven years, Miss Swales has helped countless families living with autism.

She said: "The support network of families around here is great and for parents to have that and not feel so isolated is wonderful.

"There are hundreds of books out there but a lot of the time you are too tired or haven’t got the time to read about it all. You need to be prepared to say ‘that didn’t work so let's try something else’.

"I’m always learning. Every family I meet has new challenges and it is always changing. It is about patience."

Mr Evans praised the work of Miss Swales and Autus, who have helped families in Millom, Barrow, Ulverston and Kendal.

He said: "We’ve had Jesse working with Jemma for 18 months and she has been great teaching us how to parent him and help.

"She’s very much in demand. If you’re affected by autism in south Cumbria, then you know Jemma Swales.

"Everyone that has worked with Jesse has built up such a connection with him."

Having worked with Autus around Cumbria for seven years, Miss Swales has helped countless families living with autism.

She said: "The support network of families around here is great and for parents to have that and not feel so isolated is wonderful.

"There are hundreds of books out there but a lot of the time you are too tired or haven’t got the time to read about it all. You need to be prepared to say ‘that didn’t work so let's try something else’.

"I’m always learning. Every family I meet has new challenges and it is always changing. It is about patience."

Mr Evans praised the work of Miss Swales and Autus, who have helped families in Millom, Barrow, Ulverston and Kendal.

He said: "We’ve had Jesse working with Jemma for 18 months and she has been great teaching us how to parent him and help.

"She’s very much in demand. If you’re affected by autism in south Cumbria, then you know Jemma Swales.

"Everyone that has worked with Jesse has built up such a connection with him."

What is autism?

AUTISM is a lifelong development disability affecting how people perceive the world.

It affects a person's social interaction, communication, interests and behaviours.

While all autistic people share certain difficulties, the condition can affect them in a range of ways, meaning special support is needed for everyone.

It is estimated about one in 100 people in the UK has autism, with more boys diagnosed than girls.