The right person and the right supports

When Matthew was around two years old his mum Linda noticed that he wasn’t meeting certain developmental milestones for his age and he was also nonverbal. “I have two other children and I knew right away when he turned two that he would need additional support. He was soon diagnosed with autism. Once he got his diagnosis I had no idea where I could turn and felt lost about what the next steps would be”, explains Linda.

Linda was referred to Northcott who deliver the NDIS early childhood approach in her area, and that is where she met Alicia. Alicia is an EC Coordinator and she was the key to turning things around for Matthew.

Meeting the right person

Once Alicia understood the situation she was able to support the family with accessing NDIS funding and getting the funding in place. This funding allows the family to link into early intervention services including different therapies to support Matthew in developing his overall skills.

“Matthew was completely nonverbal when he came to us. The main goal his mum had when she came to us was to be able to hear Matthew say I love you mum”, says Alicia.

Together Linda and Alicia worked on a plan to support Matthews’s development and established some goals to make sure he was progressing. The goals were around communication, social and cognitive development, and emotional regulation. Another goal was to get him ready for school.

What is Mathew up to now?

Matthew is six-years-old now and thriving! He started kindergarten and talks nonstop. “I can’t believe how far he has come. I’m amazed by him, he’s a beautiful kid. Without people like Alicia I wouldn’t have known what to do and I am so grateful for her support,” says Linda.

Looking for Support?

Northcott is an NDIS early childhood partner who works with families of children aged 0-6 years-old with disability or developmental delay. Our early childhood team understand the NDIS and can help you access funding and supports for your child.