Caleb's Story

We are so blessed to have our son, Caleb, attend AEIOU for his second year in 2007 and are so proud of the progress he has made as a result of early intervention and the full-time program offered at AEIOU.

Moreover, it is the amazing, committed staff that each rightly deserves full recognition. Without these dedicated staff members, individualised goals of each child would not be worked into a manageable plan.  As parents, we can so proudly testify to seeing these goals fulfilled and progressively accomplished in our children’s lives.

Caleb arrived for his first day at AEIOU (Moorooka) at 3 years of age. He was non-verbal, barely able to communicate his needs and spent most of his time mouthing toys rather than playing with them appropriately.  Despite his passive temperament, Caleb took to biting when he became frustrated.  I remember vividly that first day, just hoping that the program would, if nothing else just help Caleb learn to communicate.

Caleb’s first year of early intervention has been life-changing. Within weeks of starting at AEIOU, Caleb was communicating his thoughts through the use of PECS cards and astounded us within months when he began speaking his first words. By the end of the year, Caleb was able to say when he needed to go to the toilet and he is progressively becoming independent in this area.

These milestones alone found us reaping benefits in the daily routines of home life. Caleb can follow directions and his behaviour is now accountable. Much to the delight of his older brother, Joshua (5 years), and to us, the boys are beginning to play together. Joshua loves the fact that Caleb can say his name, and different games like "chase me" and "swings". More recently over the Christmas holidays, Caleb surprised relatives by saying their names, and thrilled them with generous hugs, asking for "kiss" and telling them on occasion "love you".  It is such a marvellous feeling to not only have your feelings reciprocated, but to be quite openly invited into your child’s heart to share their joys with them. We attribute all of Caleb’s gains to the intensive program at AEIOU.

We are excited by the possibilities of 2007 and are forever grateful to AEIOU and each wonderful member of staff who can see beyond the present to the amazing potential within each precious little child.

With hearts full of thanks,
Michelle & Andrew Sprenger