The journey our family has been on since we established our first born son was not meeting his milestones began with immense grief and disbelief. Charlie had limited speech at age 3, he struggled with daily tasks such as toileting, dressing, and all activities requiring fine motor skills. We were so unsure of what lay ahead for him and what we could do to support our son. We had an overwhelming sense of hopelessness.
After researching and establishing what our ‘first steps’ should be we made the decision to send Charlie to AEIOU to receive early intervention, this turned out to be the best decision we could have made. We discovered that Charlie was not alone on his journey and neither were we. We became part of a network that allowed us to feel supported and our world started to change shape, AEIOU allowed us to see that there was so much hope for our gorgeous son. Our aim for Charlie upon completing his early intervention was to be able to participate in a classroom setting and to be able to enjoy meaningful learning experiences each day.After 2 years at AEIOU, it was time for us to decide what Charlie’s next step would be. We decided a mainstream classroom at a school with a special education unit would be the most appropriate setting for him.
We then chose to transition Charlie into Prep slowly over the first term allowing him to maintain a connection with his familiar surrounds at AEIOU. From Charlie’s first day at ‘big school’ it was evident that AEIOU had equipped Charlie with the ability to follow the classroom routine and to cope with components of the classroom that are used readily throughout the day in Prep such as ‘mat time’, using the toilet appropriately and the need for some level of social interaction. These skills enabled Charlie to adapt to his new classroom and with the assistance of a teacher’s aide and his occupational therapist, Charlie learnt to participate and therefore learn.
"AEIOU had taught us so much about Charlie’s requirements in an educational setting and we were able to pass that information onto his teacher."
Charlie’s individual needs were being met in the classroom and that allowed him to be more comfortable and happy. Through open communication and education Charlie’s peers have learnt about his different style of learning, this has enabled Charlie to develop friendships. A number of parents that I had never met before approached me telling me that their child came home from school thrilled they had the great opportunity to help Charlie in the classroom or the playground and could they invite Charlie to their home to show him some of their exciting things. This signifies true inclusion and acceptance and needless to say I cried many tears of happiness after each one of these encounters.
Charlie became a big brother for the second time on the 12th March 2015 when I delivered a healthy baby girl, Annabel. I was incredibly nervous about how the new arrival was going to disrupt the progress that we had made at school however Charlie was thrilled to see a baby in the house and was able to tell his teacher and friends about her arrival. He demonstrates nothing but love towards Annabel and we use cuddles with her as a very motivating reward when we need Charlie to attempt a new skill.
Term Two has begun and that officially draws to a close Charlie’s transition term and opens the way for him to begin his full time schooling in a main stream prep classroom. Charlie is participating in a classroom setting and enjoying meaningful learning experiences each day, he has reached the goal we set for him at the beginning of his time at AEIOU. My husband and I worked tirelessly alongside the staff at AEIOU in the hope that Charlie would get to this point and we couldn't be prouder that he has achieved so much.
Our journey is far from over and we understand there will be challenges along the way however we know the future is bright for our beautiful boy.
By Emily Baitch
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