Greg and his wife, Sandrah, are parents to Patrick, their 34‑year‑old autistic son. Patrick is mostly nonverbal and experiences sensory and intellectual challenges, which have shaped daily life for their family in ways few outside truly understand.
“For us, caring has meant years of constant vigilance,” Greg says. “The burnout, the mental and physical exhaustion, and the isolation are very real.” Social situations are particularly difficult for Patrick, and that means the family often withdraws, too. “When Patrick struggles to cope, we struggle alongside him.”
What Greg says they need most is support that genuinely understands their reality. Practical assistance for Patrick, meaningful respite for the family, and better education about autism for the wider community. “Awareness, acceptance and inclusion would change everything,” Greg explains. “Not just for us, but for so many families.”
Greg has been advocating for support for years, but too often feels unheard. “Services don’t always understand the trials we’ve been through,” he says. “Autism isn’t one‑size‑fits‑all, but that’s how it’s often treated.” While diagnoses have increased dramatically, Greg believes understanding and recognition have not kept pace. “Our children contribute to society. They deserve to be seen and supported.”
Patrick is a powerful example of that contribution. An accomplished artist, he is recognised as one of the top artists in the country, yet Greg feels his talent remains overlooked. Patrick’s work is currently featured at Jump Left Gallery in Melbourne, where his bold, expressive paintings capture portraiture and landscape through colour, gesture and movement. His art speaks with confidence, emotion and clarity, offering viewers a glimpse into how he experiences the world.
“Patrick may not communicate in the ways people expect,” Greg says, “but through his art, he says so much.”
For Greg, real change starts with listening. “If decision‑makers met families halfway, took the time to understand our experiences and did the work to learn, outcomes would be very different.” Until then, Greg continues to speak up, not just for Patrick, but for every family navigating care, creativity and resilience in a world that still has much to learn.
