Mum-of-four Nicole Simmons, 35, has been nominated for parent/carer of the year at the Anna Kennedy Autism Hero Awards by friends who have seen her dedication to her children.
Her children, Chase Renton, 15, Connie and Ralph Simmons, six, each have additional needs with Ralph and Connie being diagnosed with autism and Chase ADHD.
Eldest daughter Rosie Simmons, nine, has been nominated for sibling of the year at the awards for the support she provides.
Nicole, who lives in Basildon, has described her fight to get her children in appropriate schools, diagnosed and succeed in spite of additional challenges.
She said: “I juggle life as best as I can and family and close friends have nominated me and say, ‘Nicole you are amazing for being a special needs parent’, but you don’t have a choice.
Family – Nicole, Ralph, Connie, Rosie and Lewis Simmons (Image: Nicole Simmons)
“Everything is a fight and there is not enough care, Ralph is in a special school, but his twin is in mainstream education, the two are totally worlds apart.
“I am so proud of my children, and I had to become quite educated with them and I think some of the nominations were from other parents I had to help through the process of getting their children support.
“I only work at a farm shop but really try to help other parents.”
Ralph was diagnosed at two-and-a-half and also has additional struggles with development delay and eating non-food objects – making Nicole’s life revolve around 24-hour care.
She added: “It is 24 hours around-the-clock care, we fought to get him into a school and my friends and family can see how hard I fought to get the support.
“Bearing in mind he is non-verbal, he rocks and headbangs and spins and didn’t meet his milestones, he is incredible.”
The Autism Hero Awards were started around seven years ago and aims to award and recognise the parents and carers who support people with additional needs.
Winners will be announced on March 15 at an awards night in Carbuton Street in London.