‘Blue Haired Girl’ to raise awareness of autism in girls

Emma’s acrylic pop art painting ‘Blue Haired Girl’ is featured on a limited edition, cotton tote bag. Only 500 of the bags have been produced.

Go Blue For Autism kicks off on April 2, World Autism Awareness Day. The limited edition ‘Blue Haired Girl’ totes are available now for purchase on the Autism Queensland website for $10 each.

Diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome by when she was four years old, today 19 year-old Emma is on a mission to become an ambassador for young girls with autism. She has helped establish an Autism Support Group (ASG) with Student Support at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC) where she is currently studying a Bachelor of Creative Industries Majoring in Music & Minoring in Drama.

Her mother Danielle, who together with her husband James and son Brayton are also on the autism spectrum, said the USC ASD support group was the first of its kind for a Queensland university. It will also incorporate online interaction and potentially a multi-campus format.

“Emma suffered the most unbelievable bullying and, like me, found it sometimes quite difficult to fit in amongst peers feeling like the odd one out,” Danielle said.

“To have the support of the university or be recognized as a leader that may help students on the spectrum is an absolute achievement.

“USC has recently awarded Emma the Student High Performance Music Program which goes to show that disability is no barrier to reaching goals with acknowledgement of dedication to her studies, due to the right support system being in place.”

Emma performs every Friday at Noosa’s View Restaurant in Noosa’s peppers Resort & Villas. You will also find her music on JJJ unearthed. Due to the art of BelCanto taught by to her by Maggie Noonan, Emma performs a diverse range of genres. Blue haired Girl is connected to Emma’s production “Opera Funk”, Opera, Musical Theatre, Contemporary Pop, Classical Crossover & Jazz.

Autism Queensland CEO Pam Macrossan said the organisation was proud to feature Emma’s work as part of the Go Blue campaign.

“On behalf of everyone here, we would like to extend a special thank you to Emma for helping us with this campaign and for providing a valuable role model for young girls on the autism spectrum.”