Georgia
Written by Sandy, Georgia’s mum and Georgia (April 2025)
This is Georgia Smith. Georgia was not diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) until she was 21 years old, she is now almost 30. Her first diagnosis was actually epilepsy at 18 years old when she had her first clonic tonic seizure. Further investigations revealed the childhood ‘daydreaming zone outs’ that she had experienced since birth and her skin abnormalities plus her learning difficulties at school, were actually signs of TSC.
Georgia remembers her childhood as containing many moments of upset and confusion. “The other children would point at my shagreen patch and tease me” recalls Georgia. “I know now they were just curious, but back then I felt upset”.
There were many other childhood incidents which were difficult and Georgia experienced some social difficulties as a child due to limited understanding of social cues and a preference to play alone. She then developed and used masking behaviours to successfully navigate the social world. Georgia says, “masking behaviours are the reason I can be as social as I am”.
Since the diagnosis of TSC, Georgia has had many other associated diagnosis including a Mild Cognitive Impairment, Autistic Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety, Kidney Angiomyolipoma, Vestibular Migraines, Neuroendocrine Cancer and Gastrointestinal Issues. The management of so many different conditions can be challenging and scary but Georgia has a great team of medical professionals who ensure issues are caught when minor and treated before they become major concerns. Georgia says, “medical monitoring can be extremely overwhelming but I know its important in order for me to remain healthy.”
Georgia has never allowed the disability caused by her TSC to stop her from enjoying life to the full. She is a very talented dancer and has recently been selected to compete in Team Australia All Abilities Unified Hip Hop in America at the World Games in April 2025. Georgia says, “Representing Australia at the International Cheer Union World Games in Orlando is how I will show the world that people with disabilities can achieve great things!”
Georgia studied fashion at TAFE and worked as a Fashion Merchandiser until balancing the demands of her job and the management of her condition became too much. Georgia is currently using her artistic skills and eye for fashion as she embarks on a new entrepreneurial adventure into print making using photoshop and design techniques to create stylish items available for sale online.
In addition to her busy creative life and dancing, Georgia also enjoys playing netball and relaxing at home with her calico cat, Strawberry. She is a social butterfly and enjoys spending time with her friends and family who know her as Georgie. Georgia is an aunty to an active three-year-old and a set of twins who are almost one-year old. Georgia says, “Family and friends keep me busy, but I like it that way. Although chilling with my cat is ok too.” The final inspirational words from Georgia are, “I was told once that imperfection is perfection and therefore, I’m perfect!”
