Charli’s journey has been one of resilience, creativity, and triumph. With the love and support of her family, she has overcome challenges, discovered her passions, and found the confidence to shine—both on paper as a budding fashion designer and on stage as a star performer.
“She Absolutely Sparkled on Stage”
For Charli and her mum Amy, the past few years have been a journey of challenges, growth, and incredible achievements. Losing her dad at just four years old and receiving an Autism diagnosis at six, Charli’s path hasn’t always been easy. But with the right support, especially from her Nana and her Aunty Shells, she is now thriving in ways that make her family incredibly proud.
Charli and her cousin Penny Wedlake.
“To see how far she has come is nothing short of incredible,” Amy shares. “Charli is flourishing as she is accepted and celebrated for who she is.”
At Waihi Beach Primary School, Charli’s creative talents were recognised early. At just six years old, she won the school’s artistic award, a moment that reinforced her love for art. Now, she spends hours sketching, with a particular passion for fashion design. “She has created her own fashion brand along with all her designs,” Amy says. “It’s her favourite thing to do right now.”
Friendship and Finding Her Place
Beyond her creativity, Charli has also found deep connections with her peers, something her family had hoped for since her kindergarten years. “She has made some beautiful friendships over the last 18 months, which was our goal from the start,” Amy reflects. These friendships have become a source of joy and confidence for Charli, giving her a sense of belonging.
Charli’s confidence was on full display last year when she took a lead role in the school production. “She completely stole the show!” Amy beams. “She absolutely sparkled on stage.” This year, Charli’s artistic leadership has been further recognised—she was recently awarded the role of Arts Leader at her school, a moment that left her family bursting with pride.
A Future Full of Possibilities
With a school that champions her strengths and a family that celebrates her every step, Charli is carving out an inspiring future. Her passion for design and performance continues to grow, and her journey serves as a reminder of what happens when Autistic children are embraced for who they are. “As you can probably tell,” Amy says with a smile, “one very proud mumma!”
Charli is a student, artist and actor. In 2025 she was awarded the role of Arts Leader at Waihi Beach Primary School.