Former Home & Away star Christie Hayes has opened up about a deeply personal part of her family life, and her words have struck an emotional chord. The actress-turned-radio host spoke about her 11-year-old son Hendrix, his life with Stage 3 Autism, and the painful reality that, even after all these years, she has never been able to share a proper conversation with him.
Christie Hayes Shares Heartbreaking Truth About Her Son Hendrix
Christie Hayes, who played Kirsty Sutherland in Home and Away for more than 12 years, recently appeared on The Morning Show and spoke openly about her son Hendrix. Hayes, who later moved into radio, shared the challenges her family has faced while learning how to support Hendrix and give him the best upbringing possible.
During the emotional conversation, Hayes explained that Hendrix lives with Stage 3 Autism. She described how his condition has affected his ability to communicate with his family and revealed one of the hardest truths she carries as a mother.
“Hendrix didn’t say the word mum until he was four … I’ve never really heard him … I’ve never had a proper conversation with my son,” she said. Hayes also spoke about how different Hendrix’s world can feel and why people need to respond with more understanding. “I see the way that he is so different, and I think the world needs to be more patient with people who live with autism.”
Hayes Urges People To Show More Patience And Inclusivity
The former soap star used the moment not only to share her family’s story but also to call for more awareness around autism. Hayes made it clear that families like hers experience beautiful moments, but they also deal with challenges many people do not fully understand.
She urged viewers to take part in Walk For Autism throughout May. The campaign challenges participants to walk 7,000 steps a day while raising funds and awareness for people living with autism. “People with autism don’t always live in a world that’s built for them. We need to have inclusivity,” she said.
Hayes then gave viewers a more honest look at daily life with Hendrix. “There are wonderful days, but there’s also really hard days. Meltdowns, lack of sleep. It is difficult at times,” added the star.
The Emotional Interview Comes After Hayes Challenged The Prime Minister
Hayes’ emotional appearance came just a day after she challenged the Prime Minister over growing calls for a royal commission into violence against women. The exchange took place during Hit 100.9 Hobart’s breakfast radio show on Monday, where Hayes directly questioned him about what the government planned to do.
“What’s your government doing to make serious change in this country so that we eradicate this violence against women?” Hayes point-blank asked the Prime Minister.
“Well there’s no place for violence against women in our society, we have $4.4 billion we’re throwing at this,” Mr Albanese said before listing his government’s initiatives, including committing $100 million for crisis accommodation for women and children escaping domestic violence, 10-day paid family and domestic violence leave, and the Leaving Violence Program, which offers $5,000 in financial support. Stay tuned to Soap Opera Daily for more Home and Away spoilers and behind-the-scenes updates.