As the mother of a child with additional needs, Erin Jamieson spent years feeling like there was a gap between herself and other mums.
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The distance grew after her daughter was diagnosed with autism, ADHD and sensory processing disorder, leaving her feeling alone with her grief and fear.
While the mother-of-two quickly came to terms with the diagnosis, her social isolation only worsened as she became weary of unhelpful comments from parents of neurotypical children.
At some point along the way, she learned to keep her worries to herself.
It wasn't until she opened the Sensory Studio in Fairy Meadow last October that Mrs Jamieson became aware of just how many parents of children with additional needs have experienced the pain of loneliness.
I want to try to bring this community together so they can meet each other and feel like they're in a safe environment and not feel judged by other parents.
"People not living a special needs carer's life don't always understand what you're going through," Mrs Jamieson said.
"When I opened the studio I realised I'm not the only mum who feels alone and isolated."
Now she's aiming to bring mums, dads and carers of children with additional needs - whether it be autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy or down syndrome - together over a casual coffee once a month.
"I want to try to bring this community together so they can meet each other and feel like they're in a safe environment and not feel judged by other parents," Mrs Jamieson said.
"Just to be able to share ideas and thoughts, solutions - what's worked, what hasn't - and just bring everyone together."
The first Sensory Studio Monthly Morning Tea will be held at Xavier's Place - the cafe next door to the Sensory Studio - on Wednesday at 9.30am.
After that, Mrs Jamieson will be looking to hold morning tea catch-ups at the Fairy Meadow Community Centre, before introducing workshops with specialist allied health professionals including occupational therapists, psychologists, nutritionists and physiotherapists.
For details, visit The Sensory Studio Facebook page.