Kiara: Caring for her autistic son with global developmental delay

Kiara’s caring role started when she was eight years old. At twenty-four, Kiara is a devoted mother to Rider, her three-year-old autistic son with global developmental delay.

Rider's autism is characterized by severe sensory sensitivities and restrictive eating and other common symptoms she discusses in this episode.  

Her son is Kiara’s inspiration and purpose and drives her determination. 

When I have conversations with people outside of this world and I say ‘Carer’ they instantly think, ‘Support Worker, Nurse.’ Yeah, no.  

Carers are hidden. We are hidden behind our roles. Everything we do is hidden.

Care to Share is an Impact Studios podcast hosted by Prudence Granger, Carer-in-Residence for the Carer Knowledge Exchange.

It features open and honest conversations with carers discussing the challenges, roadblocks, and joys of caring. 

• Produced by Siobhan Moylan.
• Sound Design by Melissa May.
• Impact Studios Executive Producer is Sarah Gilbert. 

The Carer Knowledge Exchange brings together carers, former carers, researchers, policy makers and practitioners to share their knowledge and learn from each other, improving outcomes for carers by connecting research to practice. 

The project is a partnership between Carers NSW and the Institute for Public Policy and Governance at the University of Technology Sydney, and is proudly funded by the NSW Government. Find out more at www.carerknowledgeexchange.com.au.    

Support for carers  

https://www.carerknowledgeexchange.com.au/public/support-for-carers/ 

https://www.carergateway.gov.au/ 

You can contact Lifeline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by phoning 13 11 14 or texting 0477 13 11 14.