Sarah is a graphic designer at JettProof and part of a neurodivergent family.

Quick Questions for the JettProof family

Sarah is a graphic designer at JettProof and part of a neurodivergent family.

Please tell us a bit about your journey before joining JettProof. What led you to this career path?

I had two sons diagnosed with autism and ADHD, and I realised I would prefer to work in a field that was more in line with what I was going through in my daily life. I ran into Michelle (JettProof Founder), who was in the waiting room of an occupational therapist, and our kids had a little play together. She needed a designer, and I'd been thinking about moving into an industry that would fit better with my family and life. It seemed like it was meant to be. 

What are your favourite products from JettProof, and why?

Definitely, the singlets because my children's ability to cope with whatever stresses they're going through every day vastly changes if they wear a JettProof singlet, making both their life and mine a lot easier.

How do you celebrate milestones and achievements, both big and small, with your family?

Good question. It's usually popcorn and a movie for us. We always celebrate the small stuff.

Has being part of the JettProof community influenced your approach to supporting your family?

100%. I've learned so much working with individuals who have had similar experiences. 

What are your family member's unique strengths and talents most you cherish?

It's such a cliché, but my kids are great at math, and I was terrible at math in school. They also see the world in a really different way, which is so fascinating to observe.

What fun activities do you enjoy doing together as a family?

We love to play board games together. We also make up imaginary stories when we're driving, which can get very out-there and creative.

Who are the key people or support systems that have helped you?

I'm very close to my siblings and parents, so it helps to have a big extended family that has been super supportive. My work family has been great, too, allowing me the flexibility I need to accommodate my children's needs.

Can you share a memorable story or feedback you've received from customers about JettProof products?

(laughs) I've got a few of these. My favourite is, though, when I first started working at JettProof. I told a friend at day-care who was having similar struggles to me what we did, and a few weeks later, she tackled and hugged me in the car park when I was dropping the kids off. She was crying; she was just so overjoyed to share the difference the JettProof singlets had made in her life. It was really touching.

How do your experiences with your family influence your work at JettProof?

It helps to understand what Autistic people like when I'm designing. I know what my kids like and my husband, who is also Autistic. It makes a big difference to my work.

What was your initial reaction when you first learned about your family members' diagnoses, and how did it shape your perspective?

The first diagnosis was my youngest son, who was only two. He was not very vocal at that stage. Um, It was… it was heart-breaking, which sounds terrible now because I've realised it's not a big deal. Still, we didn't know anything about Autism, which is ironic because my husband is Autistic but, at that stage, undiagnosed, and my older son, too. So, adjusting to a new reality and uncertainty about his future was tough. It seems silly now because he's such a unique, creative, funny, brilliant individual, and I wouldn't change anything about him.

If JettProof could design a custom product just for your family, what would it be and why?

I sort of think they already designed a custom product just for my family, which would be the singlets. But also, the compression sheets are fantastic. My son was sleepwalking, and I know they're not meant for this, but he stopped sleepwalking once we put on the sheets, and that was an enormous weight off my mind- that he would stay in bed all night.

How do your sons and husband feel about JettProof and your work?

They're just so supportive. My boys will come in and tell me what patterns they like and suggest new designs for me.

If your family could go on an adventure anywhere, where would it be and why?

This is a loaded question because I'm a massive traveller and want to go everywhere. We are going on a big adventure next year. My husband's got long service. I am lucky enough to be able to take my laptop and work abroad, and we're going to travel around a bit. Uh. I'll have to keep you posted because I need to figure out where we're going.

Do you have any hobbies or interests that you're passionate about?

I'm an enthusiastic reader. I'm a political junkie. And I really, really love to travel.

What advice would you give other families navigating similar journeys with sensory needs?

Being kind to yourself is key. You can't be everything to everyone. And if you're dealing with people in your family who have challenges, you need to meet them where they are at. For example, I kept overwhelming my husband with a long list of jobs in the afternoon while I cooked dinner for the family. Eventually, we swapped jobs so he would cook dinner. I could run around doing the little stuff that was otherwise overwhelming for him. Nowadays, he finds cooking relaxing and is better than I am, so this works well for our family.