Autism Cook Island mums celebrated Mother’s Day with a difference, spending a “fabulous afternoon” hosted by Sylvie Kirst at Creatuitive Gatherings – SoulCollage in Matavera on Sunday.

Kat Jensen, Autism Cook Islands programme manager, said the afternoon was a beautiful occasion of collaging, sharing, laughter, love and a few tears from the mums and key volunteers.

“Someone once said being a mother of a child with autism is like walking a tightrope between hope and fear, love and frustration, acceptance and denial,” Jensen said.

“SoulCollage is about finding balance within ourselves through our innate tools of creativity and intuition.

“The mothers had some well-deserved down time just for them, no children and was a very special afternoon with sharing/tears and laughter.”

Jensen said autism mums need extra care. Last year on Mother’s Day the mums were treated to a pamper spa day session.

Meanwhile Autism Cook Islands will be holding a “Zentangling” session with teenagers “to help them unpack their emotions through drawing”. The event will also be hosted by Kirst.

Jensen would like to express her thanks to Kirst “for opening your home and heart to Autism Cook Islands and our families”.