A nursery nurse and indie author, Irene was diagnosed with autism at 24, after a lifetime of feeling misunderstood and labelled as “the child who never listened”. So she wrote the story she wishes she had growing up - Through Bear’s Eyes - a children’s book based on her own lived experience of autism. Having already sold out twice and reached hundreds of families, Irene is using the $500 to buy copies of her books to gift to local schools and settings. Around 40 children will receive a story that reflects their world back to them - with future titles on ADHD, grief and disabilities already in the works, as she builds a library of stories that help every child feel seen and heard.