Life Matters

Michael Whelan and Mary Lou Carter
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All parents are used to acting in the best interests of their children. Sometimes it can make you feel like a pushy parent.

But for those mothers and fathers of children with special needs, taking on the role of parent advocate is an exhausting part of learning to live with your child's condition and ensuring they are dealt the best possible hand in any situation.

Michael Whelan knows this only too well. His life changed forever when his first son Charlie was diagnosed with autism. Michael's story of how family life quickly came to revolve around the diagnosis and therapy for Charlie has just been published.

And Mary Lou Carter is a formidable advocate for her son Nicholas, who has a rare neuro-genetic disorder called Angelman Syndrome. Mary Lou was so fed up with the situation for carers that she ran for the Senate in last year's Federal election.

Guests

Mary Lou Carter
Mother and Carer's Party candidate

Michael Whelan
Father and author of The Other Country (A father's journey with autism)