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Kylie Lang’s legacy of symbolised support for neurodiverse families

Bridging the communication gap: Kylie Lang’s legacy of symbolised support for neurodiverse families

Supporting children with additional needs through clear, visual communication during difficult times

Following a diagnosis of terminal breast cancer in 2019, Kylie Lang has bravely been campaigning to raise awareness and funds for Overgate Hospice, a home from home offering expert care, support, and advice to patients and their loved ones. Mother to Elsie who is autistic, Kylie recognised the power of symbols in helping her daughter process this information while supporting her on her family’s journey. We spoke to Overgate Giving Manager Claire Howard on working with Kylie, and how the Widgit resources created will go on to help other families on the same path.

In 2019, Kylie received a diagnosis that would change everything. At the time, her daughter Elsie was just 18 months old. As Kylie began her journey with Overgate Hospice, accessing everything from complementary therapies like Reiki and massage to the peaceful gardens, she became a fierce advocate for Overgate, raising over £30,000 to date. But beyond the fundraising, Kylie noticed a gap in the resources available to parents like her in supporting their children. And that’s where Widgit came in.

When Kylie undergoes chemotherapy, she often experiences days of intense fatigue where she cannot leave her bed. For a neurotypical child, you can explain, “Mummy needs to rest.” For a child like Elsie however, who relies on routine and specific communication styles, that lack of presence can be confusing and distressing. Kylie soon realised that the Widgit Symbols Elsie used at school were key to helping Elsie understand. By using visual communication, Kylie could explain things like why nurses were visiting their home, what ‘gentle touch’ means when Mummy is sore, what different medications and injections are for, and so much more.

A legacy to be proud of

Working alongside the team here at Overgate, Kylie soon began putting pen to paper. We developed a series of simple, bulleted sentences paired with symbols that could be personalised for any family. What started as a way to help Elsie understand her mother's diagnosis has blossomed into a project that Kylie hopes will become a lasting legacy. The goal is to ensure that no child with limited communication is left in the dark during a family crisis.

While the resource currently mentions cancer, this resource could be adjusted for everyone. Whether a patient is living with heart disease, COPD, or other life-limiting conditions, the need for clear, accessible communication remains the same. Incredibly, Kylie’s bravery extends even further than this. So much so that she has expressed a desire to eventually develop resources that tackle the difficult subject of grief and loss using these same visual tools, a daunting task that she is facing head-on to help others.

A shared mission

We’re so proud of everything Kylie has achieved, despite the unthinkable circumstances. As this resource is shared more widely available both via the Overgate and Widgit communities and beyond, it serves as a reminder that support isn't just about the care given to the patient; it's about supporting the ‘ripple effect’ of the entire family.

Kylie is more than a patient; she is an ambassador, a pioneer, and above all, a mother making sure her daughter feels safe, informed, and loved, no matter what the future holds.