'I feel like there is a lot more inclusion': 

Chloe, wife of Aussie ex-rugby player Matt Rogers, tells 9HOney what life is like raising a teen with Autism and how far they have come since their diagnosis.

"I feel like there is a lot more inclusion, particularly from what I've seen in schools. I suppose there seems to be more for people with autism and special needs in terms of sports and activities being offered which is great," she tells 9Honey.

Chloe uses the words "quirky", "funny" and "intelligent" to describe her son, common words used to describe those on the spectrum.

"He's very kind-hearted and has a lot of compassion for people," she continues.

She says Max is "very obsessive over things", another common autism trait.

"At the moment it's gardening. He watches gardening videos on YouTube non-stop and he's gardening and grafting seeds," she says.

"He has his own garden in the backyard. He's into more practical gardening like fruits and vegetables. He's out there every morning and every afternoon.

"At the moment he's growing some spring onions, some tomatoes, he's got sweet potatoes, lemons and garlic."

Max has what is often referred to as "high-functioning" autism, formerly known as Aspergers.

Chloe admits she and Mat aren't very helpful when it comes to Max's gardening efforts, but she says his grandfather gives him a helping hand.

"Max calls him to discuss issues like pests," she says. "They've really bonded over it."

Having a child or children with autism is challenging, mostly because of a lack of support and services in the health sector and in the education system.

However, many feel this is improving, particularly now the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) is attempting to ensure families have enough funding to access the services that do exist.

"Phoenix acts more like an older sibling," Chloe says of her children's relationship.

"She's always been maternal and she looks after him. She's fearfully protective."

Like many parents of children with autism, Chloe does think about who will keep an eye on Max after she and Mat are gone.

"I believe [Phoenix] will care for him," she says.

"She's an immensely good girl. It's good as well for her to learn about people with special needs from a young age and to be inclusive and respectful in that way.

"He struggles at school. He's not at the same level as his peers with his reading and writing. He tries really hard. He gives 100 percent effort.

"It upsets him though because he wants to be a genetic engineer and he knows he has to read and write properly to do that."

Chloe and her family have become a source of strength and inspiration for the many autism families around the country and even the world because they have always openly shared their journey with Max.

They've also done incredible work through their charity 4ASDKids.

I asked Chloe what advice she would give to parents of children who have been newly diagnosed, and she said: "It's so hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I still remember it very well.

"In terms of health issues, it's not a bad one to have. They are still your child and they are alive. They are just a bit different to other kids.

"Some of those differences are beautiful and will lead to some of the best things that will ever happen to you.

"There's a lot of hope. It's not the end of the world."