Lauran shares how some simple gifts from the Christmas Toy Appeal had a powerful impact and help her sons to bond. As well as how Family Action worked with her family and son’s school to improve his wellbeing and support her mental health.
My sons’ Christmas Toy Appeal gifts
Family Action gave them both presents – books about Autism and putty. The putty meant they could play together and compare how they’d squeezed them or what they’d done, which helped them build a bond and we all read the books together.
It was only fairly recently, after reading the books, that my youngest piped up and said, “I’ve got autism, haven’t I?” … then carried on watching whatever he was watching. From reading that story my eldest understood him a bit better… and I think he understood himself.
The Toy Appeal made me feel that the outside world does accept our neurodivergent children
Family Action were there when we needed them
Family Action first became involved with us when my youngest son was six, he’s seven now. He has autism and was born with Talipes (also known as club foot) and some hearing problems.
But none of that tells you how amazing he is. He’s intellectually curious and lights up a room; he’s cheeky and he’s constantly got a smile on his face. Everyone loves him and wants to be his friend.
He’s independent but needs a lot of daily supervision and support with things like eating, toileting, and sleeping. School was a real issue because he struggled talking to the teacher and asking for help going to the toilet.
His teachers knew something was going on, but they didn’t want to accept it. I’d worked as a SENCO (special educational needs coordinator) before having to give up work to advocate for him, so I knew what should be happening… and it wasn’t.
I was at the point of needing help when I met Anne from Family Action. She was so lovely, she immediately put me at ease and understood everything I was talking about.
Claire started coming to meetings at school with me and it seemed to really help. They started doing more for him… like letting him use his ear defenders, go to the toilet without asking, agreeing on times he could eat snacks and supporting him with things like going out and socialising.
I think that because Claire was from Family Action we were accepted as a family by the school.
We also registered my eldest son as a young carer – he’s amazing with his brother. He seems to have liked being recognised in that role… he’s definitely more accepting of his younger brother. We’ve had bumps in the road, and it’s been up and down, but overall, it’s gotten better.
The Toy Appeal helped them build a bond and made us feel understood and accepted. Family Action saved my mental health… and my life.
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