A filmmaker hoping to become the first autistic Rose of Tralee is determined to raise awareness about what the disability looks like.
Caoilinn Handley, 25, was only diagnosed with the condition two years ago but feels her life would have been less difficult if she had known sooner.
The Dubliner, who is taking part in the city’s heat of the contest tomorrow, is hoping she can be that representative she never had growing up for others.
Read more: Former Rose of Tralee Aoibhinn Ni Shuilleabhain inspired by strong grandmother
She told Irish Daily Mirror: “I never had any representation growing up.
“Anytime now even as an adult if I see a glimmer of myself in a character on TV I get so excited.
“Or if I hear someone is autistic, I think this is amazing.
“So like, if I could see it flicking through the papers or flicking on the TV growing up, there’s somebody like me and they are doing it their own way, that would have been life-changing for me.” The disability activist was diagnosed with dyspraxia, a developmental coordination disorder, four years ago.
She explained: “I saw dyspraxia portrayed in a TV character when I was 21 and I recognised myself in that.
“And realised I was dyspraxic, and got diagnosed.
“And then I got the autism diagnosis two years later, just before the pandemic started.
“And then I had the pandemic to kind of come to terms with it and who I am.”
While she was worried about confirming it before, she recalled the range of emotions she went through when she got the diagnosis. Caoilinn revealed: “I cried. Because I was so happy to get the diagnosis but I was also so upset and grieving for what
I could have had if I had known earlier, because it was a very difficult life for me growing up.
“In school knew I was different and I was bullied really badly.
“And that was very difficult.
“And I had a lot of sensory issues and needs which now I’m accepting and accommodating for.
“But I wasn’t accommodated and that caused a lot of distress too, because it is coping in a world that is not built for you.”
Caoilinn is now feeling strong and ready to take on the world and her own way.
But she admits her friends and family were surprised to hear she would be taking part.
She said: “Everyone was shocked when I told them. Pre-diagnosis I would have said absolutely not. No way I can do that or get up in front of that many people and have to wear the dresses and hair and make-up like everyone else, but now I can do it my way.”
The Dublin Rose selection night takes place tomorrow which also happens to be Autism Pride Day.
The Terenure native said: “It seems very fitting to me that on this day where we celebrate being autistic, I will be up on a stage representing little girls out there like me.
“And showing them that they can achieve anything they put their minds to.”
“My sponsor is Aspire Ireland, an autism charity and autistic-led production company who do brilliant work.
“I am absolutely delighted to be working with them on this.
“And am so very proud to wear their name on my sash and keep the autism pride flag flying high for all to see.”
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