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A year after a support group for parents and carers of children with autism was set up, 360 people have joined, with the coordinators hoping they can all make a difference to each other's lives.
Lorna Higgins-Bare launched Autism & Me on Facebook a year ago.
She has a seven-year-old son with autism and describes herself as a "devoted advocate for autism awareness".
She founded Autism & Me in March 2023, with a vision "to bridge the gap of isolation felt by many within the autism community in Guernsey".
This weekend the group marks its first birthday.
Pictured: The Autism & Me, Guernsey group on Facebook is private so members can share information confidentially.
Ms Higgins-Bare's own experiences have encouraged her to try and "dismantle the barriers of loneliness and misunderstanding that often accompany hidden disabilities".
Over the past year, the ‘Autism & Me, Guernsey’ group is now said to be a "vibrant, supportive community, dedicated to providing a safe space for sharing everyday experiences, challenges and triumphs".
As the group is private, only members can access it, ensuring confidentiality for all involved.
Ms Higgins-Bare says the success of the group lies in its "commitment to fostering a platform for the true value of lived experience".
As a mother with an autistic child, she knows what others are going through and the group she founded has become "a beacon of hope and understanding, where members can exchange information, seek advice and find solace in the company of those who genuinely understand the autism journey".
Pictured: Autism & Me, Guernsey was launched with the intention of "providing a safe space for sharing everyday experiences, challenges and triumphs".
Autism & Me. Guernsey has organised various inclusive events and activities during its first year and is planning more for the future too.
One of their most successful activities so far has been an autism friendly trick or treat event held at Oatlands Village, with 117 families attending.
With Autism Awareness Week approaching, starting 2 April, members of Autism & Me, Guernsey have been invited to events to mark the week including an out of hours session at Creaseys for 40 people.
Ms Higgins-Bare said: "Looking ahead, ‘Autism and Me, Guernsey’ is committed to continuing its mission of raising awareness, abolishing isolation, providing inclusive experiences and promoting understanding within the wider community. We remain dedicated to expanding our reach, advocating for inclusivity, and fostering an environment where every individual is heard and valued.
"Join us in celebrating this significant milestone, basking in our achievements and in embracing the unique journey ahead. Together, we can continue to make a difference, one step at a time."
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