“Autumn’s scoliosis journey began back in 2017 when she was 7 years old. During a dance exam dressed head to toe in black it was observed by the examiner that she appeared asymmetrical. A G.P appointment soon after indicated scoliosis was suspected and this led to frequent trips to ROH and later The Portland Hospital and Birmingham Children’s Hospital for treatment and ultimately surgery”

Scoliosis is where the spine twists and curves to the side. It can affect people of any age, from babies to adults, but most often starts in children aged 10 to 15. Scoliosis can improve with treatment, but it is not usually a sign of anything serious and treatment is not always needed if it’s mild.

“As a parent I felt really helpless, but I have always trusted all the health professionals who have supported Autumn for the past 8 years. Autumn has had frequent x-rays (& initially an MRI scan) as well as multiple body brace fitting appointments over a 2-year period (where Autumn loved choosing a different pattern each time it needed changing), blood tests pre-surgery and much post-surgery aftercare at ROH. Every member of staff we have encountered have always been supportive and person-centered in their approach.

“In 2019 Autumn decided she wanted to raise money for ROH and this filled me with pride that she wanted to give something back. A 9^th birthday fundraiser instead of her having a birthday party took place which raised over £700 and this was presented to ROH in a school assembly where Autumn educated her peers and members of staff about scoliosis. We also managed to get a shout out from Zoe Ball on Radio 2 about the fundraiser! She also organised a sweet sale in September 2020 which raised about £200. Autumn has always been really proud of her body braces and now her surgery scars and has always wanted to share these rather than hide them away. She has had surgery 6 times and although it is so difficult to watch your child be put under general anaesthetic I knew this was what needed to happen to ensure her lungs has the required space in her chest cavity to develop. Now as a 15 year old Autumn uses her Instagram account to share her story and raise awareness of scoliosis particularly during scoliosis month and to mark milestones in her journey.

It was a such a privilege to meet Tully Kearney MBE OBE and Paralympian in December 2019 which was organised as a surprise for Autumn by ROH and to see her be given a Higgy bear giraffe wearing a body brace. As a family we have been able to support other families who are at different stages of their scoliosis journey’s; this occurred through family and friends contacting us to ask if we were happy with our details to be shared and then us using video and phone calls as well as messages and face to face meet ups to answer questions and share our experience. We also have supported 3 friends seek support to gain scoliosis diagnoses for their daughters.

“Sadly Autumn continues to suffer with pain so 9 months post her final fusion operation she began regular physiotherapy. This has included a combination of exercises, manipulation and acupuncture which do seem to be helping however it has made me realise as a parent that her scoliosis journey will be lifelong. Autumn has not allowed her pain to affect her academic studies though. Her school have been really supportive and recognised the benefit of Autumn being able to take breaks and move around as required in lessons.  I am immensely proud of Autumn not letting scoliosis define her and she has achieved so much in her life already: dancing at the Birmingham Hippodrome in 2023 and 2025 and planning her dream holiday to Florida later on this year as a celebration of there being no further planned surgery. Autumn plans to further fundraising for both ROH and Birmingham Children’s Hospital and as a family we will 100% support her to do this”