Belinda and Emma's story

Emma Jennings is the youngest of five girls. Emma, 8, has autism, and has a close bond with her sister, Belinda.

'They are the 2 closest in age,' says Robyn, Belinda and Emma's mum.

'Until my older girls moved away, they were a big help with Emma. It's kind of like "pass down the torch". She (Belinda) decided she'd help, and she always has.'

Belinda says she helps Emma in different ways.

'I push her on her bike. I swim in the baby pool with her. I dress her sometimes. I play on the trampoline with her. I play on the swings with her. I go up on the hill near our house with her. I play with her outside sometimes. I bath her sometimes. I watch the tele with her sometimes. I help her get to sleep-I lie beside her and she falls asleep. Me and Emma play the drums sometimes,' she says.

Watching Emma

Robyn describes Emma as a ‘an escape artist and bolter', because she likes running away so much.

She says Belinda is always quick to chase Emma if she leaves the house without any warning.

'She's an extra set of eyes and she's quick. You call Belinda because you know she's around and she's after her,' says Robyn.

Belinda's bullying experience

Belinda has experienced bullying at school.

'She got to the point where she didn't want to go to school anymore and she hated it,' says Robyn.

At the start of 2011, Belinda began Year 7 at a new school: leaving Emma behind at her old primary school.

'I was really upset because I wasn't going to have my baby sister with me anymore,' says Belinda. ‘It's hard sometimes, but it's also fun and exciting and I get to play with my friends.'

Although she doesn't like it when Emma throws a tantrum, Belinda says she loves her sister very much. She also values her friendship.

‘I've learnt how to deal with Emma,' says Belinda.

‘I've learnt that sometimes people aren't normal.'

Family support

In addition to caring for Emma and parenting her other daughters, Robyn also provides support for her husband, Paul. Paul has bipolar disorder—experiencing highs and lows with the condition.

Spending time doing hobbies, including tinkering with a V8 car and riding his motorbike, helps Paul manage his stress levels.

‘He dotes on Emma, but it impacts on him,' says Robyn.

Living in a small community

The family lives in Mossman, a small community in north Queensland. It is a short drive from Port Douglas.

Robyn says there are benefits to living in a small community with a child with disability.

'You get more acceptance and understanding,' she says.

'Emma actually knows more people than us.'