Twin sisters, Katie and Charlotte Burke

Navan 10 year old's moving speech on neurodiversity

Ten year-old Charlotte Burke of Navan gave a moving speech about the challenges faced by people with autism, at the Ombudsman for Children's Child Talks 2023 last week.

Hundreds of schoolchildren from around the country attended the event at the Helix in Dublin City University, where Charlotte explained how would like more understanding for people like her twin sister Katie, who has autism.

Speakers aged between ten and 17 years of age addressed the crowd with mental health, understanding neurodiversity and LGBTQ+ support among the subjects discussed.

Ten-year-old Charlotte said we all could benefit by learning a bit more about autism and neurodiversity.

"Being Katie's twin sister is amazing. She makes us laugh every day, she is creative, funny and brings so much happiness to our home. But sometimes things can be challenging for Katie and our family. It can be difficult living in a community where the public does not understand Autism. Sometimes what starts out as a really exciting day for our family can end up being a bad day when people don’t understand autism," she said.

Charlotte recalled they were both getting their hair cut recently, but unfortunately the hairdresser would not allow Katie to stim, a repetitive action or movement, like humming or rocking, that a lot of autistic people do to make them feel calm and happy.

"It is Katie's bodies natural way to feel safe in a world that often doesn't feel very comfortable for her," Charlotte explained.

"But its not just public places where things can be tricky. It can also be difficult when students in our school don't understand autism. One time someone in school came up to me and said, I feel sorry for you that your sister is crazy. I didn't know what to say. I wanted to shout, my sister is not crazy she is amazing and unique but I said nothing. It makes me so sad that people are so quick to use words like weirdo just because someone is different.

"It can also be difficult when parents don't understand Autism. I'm very lucky to have amazing friends who are very inclusive and invite Katie to parties. But I do worry, I know most parents are aware of autism but do they understand it? Do they understand if Katie comes across rude that she is actually overwhelmed or anxious and using words is difficult in those moments?"

Charlotte got tired of worrying like this and wrote a poem about Katie's neurodiverity

"I made copies of my poem and I put it up in Supervalu, the library, it ended up in our local paper the Meath Chronicle, and I read it out to my entire school over the intercom. I couldn't believe what happened next! People started coming up to me telling me stories of their neurodivergent siblings and how they think they might be neurodivergent themselves. Everyone was celebrating Katie on World Autism day which had never happened before. I saw such positive change, all because of my poem!

"Really positive change is possible when people make an effort to learn and understand about neurodiversity. For example places like Dublin Airport and Emerald Park make an effort to put themselves in the shoes of children like Katie. These places have lanyards, like little badges that you can show to indicate you might need a little support. Small changes like this, give neurodivergent children like Katie the same opportunities as everyone else. This is what Katie deserves.

"I wish people knew what an amazing mind Katie has. She doesn't think the same as me. She always thinks outside the box, that's called innovation and shouldn't that be a positive thing!

"In fact so many neurodivergent people have amazing minds and are innovators."

She gave examples such as the creator of Pokemon, the singer, Billie Eilish, Albert Einstein and Ant from Ant and Dec.

Charlotte invited Katie onto the stage and said; "I want to live in a place where people make an effort to understand. To learn more about what it means to be neurodivergent so that my sister Katie and other neurodivergent people can be accepted just as they are."

The twins mother, Eva said she was really proud of both girls.

"Despite the twins being like chalk and cheese, they are wonderful friends and are in the same class in St Anne's School."

Eva is the founder of Neurodiversity Navan, which aims to put Navan on the map as a Neurodiverse town; friendly, welcome and inclusive to everyone.

“We hope to make the small changes to create a truly inclusive environment in Navan and make a difference to neurodivergent children and their families.”

“My objective in setting up Neurodiversity Navan is to promote inclusion for neurodiversity in local schools, businesses, sports clubs etc. All that is needed are small accommodations that make a big difference.”

The devoted mum explains that the Katie was diagnosed with autism when she was four and a half.

“She a beautiful, interesting, funny and clever person. She brings so much joy to our lives and makes us laugh countless time a day with her straight talking and her sense of humour. As a family, we feel honoured to have her in our lives and it is our ambition to ensure she is allowed to flourish, not just at home but in every other part of her life too.

“Charlotte is a wonderful sister, they get on so well and are great friends, despite being so different".

Eva has set up an Instagram account for the Neurodiversity Navan: @neurodiversitynavan