Hugs, kisses, and the words "I love you", are how most parents show affection to their children, but for some parents those options are off the table.
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Some children on the Autism Spectrum with sensory problems can't handle touching or talking, leaving parents unable to express their love.
That's why the Griffith Autism Support Group will meet on Friday to learn about some of the ways to best look after a child with autism.
"How do I connect with my child?" is just one of many topics listed on their jam-packed eight-hour itinerary.
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One of the people attending will be Griffith mum Alison Frizell, who has been fighting to be the best mum she can be for her daughter Zoe.
"It's been extremely tough," Mrs Frizell said.
Zoe has severe sensory overload, meaning that soft touches feel like stabbing pain and quiet noises sound like an overwhelming clamouring in her ears.
Change also frightens her, and she will always insist on taking the same route to school and repeating the same routines every day.
This makes life difficult for the family, but her mum has been learning how to give Zoe the best life she can have.
Even if it's difficult to communicate her love in the traditional way, Mrs Frizell shows it everyday in her actions and her ongoing attempts to become a better parent.
All parents want to connect with their children, and Mrs Frizell will be going to Friday's meeting with that wish in mind.
"It helps us to understand how our children feel, and it gives us new ideas on how to cope with the issues they have," Mrs Frizell said.
The meeting will be at the Griffith Exies Main Club on Friday March 22, and those interested can call Dene Beltrame on 0411718763.
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