Newcastle teen with fragile X syndrome visits 36 ABC bureaus across Australia

For Newcastle local Hayden Eastbury, the ABC is not just something he tunes into each morning, noon, and night

It is a passion that has taken him and his family across the country.

The ABC first learned of the Eastbury family's endeavour to visit every bureau in October last year, when Hayden met one of his favourite presenters, Nate Byrne, at the Perth Royal Show.

Hayden, who lives with fragile X syndrome, has since ticked off 36 bureaus, more than half of the ABC's 56 locations around Australia.

When he and his family set off from their New South Wales home, the goal was to visit as many ABC studios as they could to honour Hayden's lifelong passion for the public broadcaster.

"Travelling around Australia, a lot of people can find a bit of a theme, you know, visit national parks, or see the 'big things'. But our theme has been finding purpose for Hayden through the ABC," dad Phil Eastbury told the ABC.

"We also kind of felt as a family a bit 'therapy-ed' out, if I'm honest, so we thought what better way to seek new opportunities, and develop a lot of what we learnt through therapy, we can take it out on the road and apply that out in the community."

Phil said the visits have helped Hayden, who one day hopes to work for the public broadcaster, develop his confidence in asking and answering questions.

A birthday present from the ABC

This week marks another special milestone for Hayden: his 18th birthday.

To celebrate, his favourite presenters from across the country, many of whom he watches every day, have wished him happy birthday.

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When asked what bureau was his favourite, Hayden said there was a clear winner.

"My favourite bureau I've loved, I think, is Perth because it's a good one," Hayden said.

"I loved Pamela [Medlen] and using her desk, and Tabarak Al Jrood's weather wall."

Hayden shows how everyone is unique

Fragile X is a mutation of the X chromosome that can lead to a wide range of physical, intellectual and behavioural symptoms, according to the Fragile X Association of Australia.

Executive director Wendy Bruce said Hayden's story had resonated with so many as an example of how families with children with disabilities can find original ways to fulfil their children's passion.

"I think it has helped to deepen people's understanding that everyone with a disability is unique; they all have different strengths, abilities, challenges, and that leads to needing different support needs," Ms Bruce said.

"Their interactions with so many people around the country have really painted a broader picture of living with fragile X syndrome and disability, but [also] the possibilities of being so engaged in the community."

Ms Bruce said it had inspired other families to take "the road less travelled".