Hi all, please allow me to introduce myself.
My name is Amber and I’m a Mum to two gorgeous boys, aged 10 and 12.
Over the years I have accumulated an extensive history working with children and families in childcare centres, early education and throughout the community. Working with children and families has always been a passion of mine and now with children of my own, my focus has shifted slightly.
Our oldest son was diagnosed with XYY Syndrome at the age of 4 and it was only through genetic testing that this diagnosis was reached. Even though that was only a few short years ago, so little information, support or understanding for boys and men with XYY Syndrome was available. Unfortunately, the same applies today, which is where my husband and I, and our extended family, come in!
We decided that the lack of knowledge, information and support for those living and dealing with XYY Syndrome had to change. This prompted our first steps in creating positive awareness, with the XYY Australia support page on Facebook and through our xyyaustralia.org website. Not only were these platforms used to locate other families in a similar situation but also as a way to stop the negative images being portrayed online. Most of the research we looked at focused on criminals within the prison system, which is by no means a correct depiction of XYY Syndrome. This is not how we see our son at all. Clearly there is a significant amount of research that needs to be conducted on this disorder.
My heart has always been centred around the needs of our son, but due the enormous gap in knowledge, understanding and support for those living and dealing with XYY Syndrome, our focus has opened up towards helping other families, boys and men in need of extra support.
One this note, my husband David and I, as founding members, are incredibly pleased to announce the introduction of the XYY Syndrome Association of Australia Inc.
Our main purpose for the Association is as follows:
Creating awareness for XYY Syndrome by obtaining and providing the latest research for XYY families and the community. Networking with government services, medical specialists, general practitioners and educators to create better understanding for XYY Syndrome. Rare Syndrome recognition for XYY Syndrome within State and Federal Government and educational systems.
David and I would like to thank you all for your time and look forward to creating awareness for XYY Syndrome for many, many years to come.
Kind regards
Amber and David Gilkes
XYY Syndrome Association of Australia Inc.
https://xyyaustralia.org/