A TAUNTON woman is in the running to win the Positive Role Model Award for Disability in the prestigious National Diversity Awards.

Laura Brown was inspired to share her story after her son, Ethan, was diagnosed as autistic and has since found a passion for inclusion and accessibility. 

Laura explained to the County Gazette that she wants to change the narrative around autism and show other parents that a diagnosis isn't a negative thing.

Laura said: "When I googled autism when Ethan was less than a year old, it was all red flags and deficits.

"I want to work to change the conversation away from this. I wouldn't change anything about our life or Ethan - there’s a wonderful life at the end of the tunnel."

Somerset County Gazette: Laura is an advocate for change.Laura is an advocate for change. (Image: Laura Brown)

Laura has advocated for change at Centerparcs, urging the introduction of inclusive policies and sessions such as quiet/SEN swimming hour. She has also been in similar conversations with Bluestone.

On top of this, Laura has been in conversation with her doctor’s surgery about the possibility of leading training on the 'Do’s and Don'ts of dealing with children like Ethan, who is non-speaking and has high needs. 

Speaking about what else she has done to raise awareness, Laura added: "I am currently in positive conversation with the paediatrician who diagnosed Ethan for permission to create a flyer for parents of newly diagnosed children to take away in that initial appointment.

"This will be easy-to-digest, positive and informative pointing to local support available. This flyer is being printed as we speak, kindly sponsored by Carly Press, and will be available first at bibic to support their families. The aim eventually is to get it to everyone!”

"I have also shared my voice as the parent of an autistic child to form part of a training package for carers of newly diagnosed autistic children with an autism charity and I also send a fortnightly newsletter to 500+ subscribers and growing sharing tips, insights and positive support to parents of autistic children.”

Voting closes on May 15. Visit the National Diversity Awards website to vote for Laura.

Laura has encouraged other parents to also advocate for change, with one supporter saying: "Laura has inspired me to advocate for my daughter and our local autism community.

"Because of Laura's work I reached out to my local park calling for accessibility changes and these were recently carried out. I wouldn't have had the confidence to do this without Laura's inspiration."

You can follow Laura’s work over on Instagram @SpinningWorldOfAutism.