Emma

Hi, my name is Emma.

I am 16 years old and I am turning 17 in July this year. The start of 2023 was okay, but I had a tough time at school. I went to a public school until year 7 and I was in a support unit from year 4. The support units were better for me as there were less students, but I still found school very hard. I didn’t cope well in Year 7 so mum and dad let me try mainstream learning in a private school along with my two younger brothers. I felt like the teachers didn’t quite understand my needs and there were so many other students. I also had trouble making friends and joining in with the people around me.

After a while, we realised school just isn’t for me, so now I am doing my own learning program at home. My support workers (they are my friends) come each day and help me with my work. I write in my journal, do reading and writing and also learn how to do things like cooking, shopping and being more active.

My best friend Bluey and Nacho, my guinea pig, have really helped me through a lot and I’m so grateful for them. I also have a fan page for my favourite actress/singer Mckenna Grace. She is my role model and following her acting and music helps me through so much too.

Having CHARGE syndrome, OCD and Autism can be challenging. But as I get older, I am getting better at coping and I am learning to accept who I am.  I am so lucky - I have a wonderful family and lots of people who care about me!