'My sons aren't weird, they're just autistic'

Gemma says she was inspired by negative experiences at a play centre

"It can be a very lonely existence as a parent of children with autism, we don't live the same life as most parents do."

Gemma has two autistic children, William, 16, and Edward, 13, who also has ADHD and Tourette's.

She remembers how parents at a play centre made hurtful comments about her sons during a visit in 2017, with one referring to them as "weird lads".

This and another negative experience sparked an idea to create a "safe space" for her children and led to the creation of Spectrum, the first autism-friendly festival of its kind in Derbyshire, the following year.

Recalling her experience at the play centre, Gemma says she responded: "My sons aren't weird, they're just autistic."

Edward adds: "It makes me who I want to be, it's what makes us special."

Edward,13, and William,16, are both autistic

Gemma says she suggested the parent at the play centre educate themselves about autism, but was greeted with the response that they did not need to because their children were "normal".

Later on, she says another parent, upset by William playing with their child, swore and threatened violence towards her and her family.

"It took me a long, long time to get over it," she says.

"I never went to a play centre again without my husband because I was scared, and then I was angry at myself for being scared."

She says the experience left her thinking: "What can we do? Where can we take the children? Where can we feel safe?"

It led to the creation of Spectrum, a not-for-profit event that prides itself on creating an "open and understanding" environment.

'A safe space'

Featuring various activities, play areas and even a zipwire, it takes place annually at Lea Green near Matlock and is held along with other events and workshops throughout the year.

Parents attending the festival, which was initially set up by Gemma's husband David and his business partner, are also able to access information and support on things such as education and finances.

"I'm just really proud of what we've managed to achieve," says Gemma.

"It sounds a bit weird to say but I'm glad it happened, because now it's become not just something for my children but thousands of children over the last few years."

Preparations are currently under way for a mini-festival at the Young People's Forest in Shipley Park, Heanor, on 10 May, ahead of the annual event on 13 September.

The festival is open to anyone on or off the spectrum, including those who are not yet diagnosed.

Gemma's husband David says the festival "means everything" to their sons

Spectrum was named the Best New Accessible Event at the Accessible Derbyshire Awards in 2018.

"It's overwhelming to know I have created a safe space for people across the country," Gemma said, adding they have "achieved so much" but would like to do more.

"It means everything to the boys, so it means everything to us," says David.

"We wanted to provide our sons with a place where they could go and feel comfortable and relaxed, and that drips down to everyone else."

William agrees, adding: "When I get to go to Spectrum and be with other people like me, its feel like I'm free, like I'm home.

"It makes me feel like I'm not the only one."