Help make Christmas a cracker for families struggling with the financial barriers of an autism assessment.
Jordan’s love for her children is clearly visible. Like any parent she wants the best for her children and for them to be supported and understood.
As a sole parent of five children, life is extremely busy. When they were toddlers, Jordan noticed differences with two of her children (Ty & Zkyah) and believed they could be on the autism spectrum.
Jordan knew both children needed autism assessments if they were going to receive the extra support they needed to thrive.
But she was in a difficult position – waitlists for an assessment were incredibly long and she simply couldn’t afford the fees to access the private system.
As Jordan waited for help, Ty began school. He found the mainstream environment incredibly challenging, and wasn’t meeting milestones like other children in the class.
It’s been a long journey and a complex one, however this year, Ty and Zkyah received an autism assessment, partially funded by Aspect supporters, where they were both diagnosed as being on the autism spectrum. Having the diagnosis means the family can now access NDIS funding and specials support services which were unavailable to them before this.
With a clear picture of each of their unique needs, the children have access to additional services and resources which support them to learn and flourish both inside and outside the classroom.
Without the help of kind supporter’s, Ty and Zkyah would still be on a long waiting list, missing out on vital opportunities and specialist support.
‘I’m so grateful to supporters who enabled my children to access a diagnosis as early as possible’ says Jordan.
The beginning of the path
As Ty grew, Jordan began to notice some unique differences in his development. Communication was a struggle, and he found it difficult to remember names or maintain eye contact. Jordan, like any dedicated parent, wanted to ensure her child received the right support as soon as possible.
She knew Ty needed an autism assessment – but to get one quickly would cost thousands of dollars – a cost Jordan simply couldn’t afford. She had no other option but to put his name on the public system waiting list. A list which can sometimes be years long.
Meanwhile, Jordan began to notice that Ty’s younger sister, Zkyah, was also displaying signs of autism. She experienced sensory aversions and would often feel overwhelmed by new environments and cover her ears.
“I felt unheard, discouraged and unsure of my son and daughter’s future, until I found Aspect” Jordan recalls.
Cracking open a world of opportunities
A diagnosis opens up opportunities for autism-specific services and education that can help a child to grow, learn and thrive in their early formative years. It also provides parents an understanding of how to best support their child.
Since receiving an autism diagnosis, Ty and Zkyah’s challenges are now recognised, understood and supported.
Ty and Zkyah can now receive NDIS funding for autism-specific support and education and it’s helped Jordan learn how to best meet her children’s needs at home. Jordan says,
“My children can now receive the support they need to learn and grow with other children of the same age, I can also receive the support to meet all of their care needs.”
They have equipment to regulate their bodies and meet their sensory needs – like noise cancelling headphones, fidget toys, visual resources and sensory friendly mats. These tools help Ty and Zkyah feel calm and safe.
With the right support in place, Ty and Zkyah can feel like they belong wherever they go.
Help put another early diagnosis within reach.
This Christmas, many families are facing financial challenges that have stretched them further than ever before. Your support is more important than ever. Please help a family like Jordan’s have a cracking Christmas – full of understanding and support.
