Celeste Muntean, Lachlan Beveridge, Maya De Lima, Riley Hales and Oliver Chiera. Photo: Martin Kennealey
Camera IconCeleste Muntean, Lachlan Beveridge, Maya De Lima, Riley Hales and Oliver Chiera. Photo: Martin Kennealey Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Craigie: Paint Me A Rainbow campaign creating autism awareness with colour

Tyler BrownJoondalup Times

MUM Kylie Beveridge has created Paint Me A Rainbow to bring some colour to the world of autism.

Having a son with autism, Mrs Beveridge understands the need to create an inclusive environment for children and families living with a diagnosis.

The campaign, which launched last month at Whitford Catholic Primary School where Mrs Beveridge’s son attends, aims to help bring awareness and acceptance for children living with autism and to allow “their true colours to shine”.

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As part of the launch, students were invited to wear bright colours for a gold coin donation, take part in colouring competitions and other autism awareness activities and cupcakes were for sale.

Funds raised were shared between the Paint Me A Rainbow campaign and the school to create safe sensory spaces for students who have autism and to and further teacher and staff education.

Mrs Beveridge now plans to host the Paint Me A Rainbow campaign in schools across WA every April to coincide with World Autism Month.

Kylie Beveridge. Photo: Martin Kennealey
Camera IconKylie Beveridge. Photo: Martin Kennealey Credit: Supplied/Supplied

“This is a fun and successful campaign to raise funds for participating schools to help their children with an autism diagnosis,” she said.

“Schools will be provided everything they need to host a campaign including autism awareness merchandise to sell, colouring competitions, marketing material and further information on fund raising ideas.”

Whitford Catholic Primary School assistant principal Cath Hughes said Mrs Beveridge and her husband Bruce were “educating their son about autism in such a way that he readily accepts that he is different and happily shares this with his peers”.

“Parents often fear a diagnosis of autism will result in a difficult life for the entire family,” she said.

“The Beveridge family have embraced their son’s diagnosis and been proactive in ensuring he accesses all the support services available.”

She thanked Mrs Beveridge for allowing the school to pilot the campaign.

Paint Me A Rainbow also hosts a monthly support circle in Padbury for parents and carers of children with autism.

“This is a positive, relaxed and informal circle where you will have the opportunity to share some of your journey, listen to others, have a cuppa, some quiet time and be yourself without judgement,” Mrs Beveridge said.

Attendance is via donation, with the first circle on July 11 from 7pm to 8pm.

Kids yoga classes will also start from July 18 with a free trial.

Open to all children aged five to 12 and their parents or carers, they will be held weekly at 4pm in Heathridge.

Spaces are limited.

Register at www.paintmearainbow.com.