When my son was born he wouldn’t speak. He got to about 12 months old and he would babble but he never said anything we could understand, so we thought “what’s going on here?”.
I was quite young, he was my first child and I didn’t know any different. I could see he was frustrated though, and we knew he had learning difficulties, so we went to a speech therapist, and then later to see paediatricians and psychiatrists.
…he just responded with the correct word. It’s one of my most treasured memories.
They told me that he understood what we were saying, but that he was choosing to be mute… I was even told that he might not ever speak. That’s why it was amazing that, within three weeks of starting at mainstream school he pointed at an apple and I said “what is it?” and he just responded with the correct word. It’s one of my most treasured memories.
It’s funny too as he’s now 29 and he won’t shut up! Back then – this was some time ago – there were no classroom assistants trained in special needs so he didn’t thrive in that environment, but once he went to special school he learnt so much and hit so many milestones – particularly regarding communication.
He’ll talk to strangers in the street now and, when I pull him up on it, he’ll just tell me he’s being polite. That’s why Family Action’s Community Support and Outreach service works so well for him.
We moved to the area around the start COVID and during that period he couldn’t really do anything, and he really withdrew into himself – he didn’t participate or go anywhere, and it wasn’t good for his mental health.
The service has allowed him to make new memories – they head our for meals, visit cafes, go swimming or take day trips out.
The service has allowed him to make new memories – they’ll head out for meals, visit cafes, go swimming or take day trips out. It also allows him to get away from mum and dad, which is a good way for him to experience independence and make friends in a safe, supportive environment. He’s also developed hobbies – such as photography; my brother gave him a camera and he likes taking photos of trees and nature.
The confidence he’s developed through the service means I’ve continued to see him grow as a person in the past few years; he’s really developed a sarcastic sense of humour, for example, but he’s learning how to be respectful while still having fun. I’m just proud that he‘s still developing and learning.
For most busy families, finding the time to come together has never been so hard. But it isn’t the amount of time you spend together or snaps for the socials that matter – it’s the memories you make together. This summer, we’re encouraging families to forget about perfection with an Imperfectly Perfect Picnic. By getting every generation together, you’ll find lots to laugh about while showing your support for families who are struggling. Download your picnic pack today.
