Expo to empower hailed a success

Vanessa,Michelle, Byron and Tia from Gumboots Child Therapy Services Cranbourne. 192740_06. Pictures: STEWART CHAMBERS

By Brendan Rees

For many parents it can be “bewildering” finding the right information for a child diagnosed with autism, says the founder and education consultant of Growing with Autism.

Cristina Isaac saw it her duty to organise a recent Family and Community Autism Expo in Cranbourne to support families and individuals with autism.

Held at the Cranbourne Public Hall on Saturday 11 May, the inaugural event featured exhibitors including Casey Asperger Syndrome Support.

The goal, Ms Isaac said, was to enable people of all ages on the autism spectrum to grow to their full potential.

“My motto is learning and succeeding together. The expo was a small part of hopefully families getting information,” she said.

“For a parent it’s very bewildering, confusing so I decided to do the expo to get local organisations and service providers to come in so they can tell their story to families about what’s out there and how they can help.”

Princess Aspien (Chloe Hayden) and magician Tim Ellis entertained crowds, while the Lions Club Cranbourne hosted a sausage sizzle.

Casey Girl Guides also ran craft activities to keep hands and minds busy.