Former model, business mogul, journalist, television personality and role model — having just one of these titles to your name would be an achievement in its own right. But this next lady has them all.
Add to that list dedicated wife, mother and now bestselling author, and you have the intelligent and multi-talented Chloe Maxwell. Chloe is the wife of dual international football player Mat Rogers, and mum to son Maxwell Danger and daughter Pheonix. Living what many would perceive as a fairytale life, the couple were rocked by the news that their son Max had been born with a disorder that would bring everything to a startling halt. Max was diagnosed with Autism — a neural disorder affecting 1 in every 100 children, characterised by social impairments and challenges with verbal communication and language. The full scope of those challenges is documented in Chloe’s newly released book, Living with Max.
Last month, we had the privilege of attending Chloe’s book launch, where guests were treated to high tea and champagne at the Emporium Hotel in Brisbane. Chloe revealed intimate details about her courageous and challenging journey raising Max since his diagnosis, and his fight to overcome the disorder. When asked why she wrote the book, Chloe said: “It’s the story and the testimony of the individual that can help others the most. Knowing the facts and the figures doesn’t do too much. Your story can help other people — how you’ve triumphed over adversity.”
“My dad and husband were the ones who first picked up that something wasn’t right with Max, and I found it very confronting. I didn’t want to listen and was very angry. I didn’t want to believe something was wrong with my child.”
At just eighteen months old, Max was diagnosed, and by two years old was enrolled in an early intervention program receiving intensive therapy. “Two to six years old is the most crucial time to get treatment,” Chloe explained. “If you leave it longer, it can be very difficult to break them out of their habits.”
Treatment, however, is incredibly expensive — and most families simply can’t afford it. That’s why Chloe and Mat founded their charity 4ASD Kids, helping other families access the early intervention their children need. When we asked how people can get involved, Chloe told us: “The best way to bring awareness and help out is by getting on board with our cause. We need to make a loud noise. By logging onto our website you can see what we’re up to, donate and get involved with our events.”
Visit www.4asdkids.com to find out more, donate or get involved.
You can purchase Living with Max at all good bookstores or online at www.booktopia.com.au. You can also make a donation — of as little or as much as you like — via Chloe’s personal fundraising page at fundraiseonline.com.au/ChloeRogers.
