Please help our darling four year old James with Autism reach his full potential

Our hearts were broken when just before James' second birthday we were given the diagnose that our dear little boy had Autism. We grieved for all the things he may never do and the hard times that awaited us.

Our hope rose as we read articles and studies that showed that children with Autism who received early intervention were likely to go on and lead fulfilling lives in society.

Unfortunately in New Zealand the public systems resources are limited and there is no one available to work with James one on one with the early intervention therapy that he so desperately needs to reach his full potential.

Over the last two years since James’s diagnoses progress has been small. James is taking more notice of his surroundings and he is happy and energetic and loves the company of other people, but he is unable to communicate or interact with them. He watches other children playing and looks on smiling longing to play but does not know how to join in on their games. He is an affectionate little boy who loves hugs and cuddles from his six year old sister Millie, and anyone who is willing. Sadly at four and half years old, James is unable to ask for food and water and therefore goes hungry and thirsty until someone works out what is upsetting him. Often he will grimace with discomfort and cry out in pain but being mostly non verbal he is unable to tell us that he has a sore tummy or is feeling unwell. It is not until the symptoms reveal themselves that we work out what is wrong. People look on wondering what is wrong with this upset little boy, and why are his parents not helping him.

Realising we needed to do something to help James we took it upon ourselves to start therapy. We are thrilled to already be seeing progress. James is now starting to eat with utensils and is going to the toilet with help. He is now giving high fives and puckering his lips to give us a kiss. He is making more eye contact and responding to his name being called. At kindy he is more settled and he is starting to play with toys along side his peers. It has been a huge sense of relief to know James is getting the one on one attention he needs.

Unfortunately therapy is not cheep and the little extra we had in our savings account will soon run out.

We are asking for your help to give James the chance to achieve the most he can from life. We would like to raise enough funds to continue therapy with James for at least two years to help him gain the skills he needs to transition into school. Therapy is approximately $40,000 to $50,000 a year.

Our chosen therapy is Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA), this is the main therapy which is used around the world.

The evidence is overwhelmingly in favour of ABA. In fact, over 550 peer-reviewed studies have been published demonstrating the effectiveness of ABA with individuals with autism.

Since the early 1960’s, applied behaviour analysis, or ABA, has been used by hundreds of therapists to teach communication, play, social, academic, self-care, work and community living skills, and to reduce problem behaviours in learners with autism.

Unfortunately ABA is not funded in New Zealand and families have to support the cost of therapy themselves. ABA therapy is funded in Australia (up to $20,000 a year), and in the USA (up to 40 hours of therapy a week) and it is also funded in several European countries.

The therapy James receives is one to one at home and at kindy. The ABA centre we have chosen is CLIMB (their website is abatherapy.co.nz) During these sessions a trained therapist teaches James fundamental skills mostly through play activities in order to make the sessions fun and enjoyable. The therapist will work with James for 2-3 hours at a time or longer if needed.

We meet with the case supervisor once a month to evaluate progress and to see where focus needs to be driven. The aim of ABA therapy is to bring a meaningful and positive change in socially important behaviours.

James has occasionally said a few words, but they are sporadic and may be said once and then never again. He once surprised us by saying “I love water I like it, I love blue I like it, I love you!!” He has so much love in his heart and huge potential. Please help our wee James Bobby.