Children's Stories
Together we can build bright futures.
Your generous donation can help change the lives of children like Chloe, Alf, Elizabeth and George. Read more about the profound impact our services can make with your support.
Chloe*
* All names and images have been changed for privacy reasons.
Transforming Chloe’s School Journey
When Chloe* was referred to Koorana two years ago, she had difficulties with socialising, speech, and behaviour. A Koorana Team consisting of a Speech Pathologist as the Key Worker, an Occupational Therapist and a Specialist Teacher working hand in hand with Chloe’s family to find a positive way forward.
We met with Chloe’s family through an interpreter and used customised visuals to ensure culturally friendly practices. Using specific strategies in play and routines, we increased Chloe’s engagement and learning at home and preschool.
Chloe has now successfully transitioned to a mainstream kindergarten classroom, where she is thriving with ongoing support from our community team. She can recognise her sensory needs, ask and answer verbal questions, and happily engage in social play.
Early intervention at the right time in Chloe’s life profoundly impacted her development and future.
Life-changing Support for Alf
Four-year-old Alf* is autistic and had never attended preschool when he began at Koorana.
Alf was non-verbal and lacked social and communication skills. He did not know how to play and had no interest in spending time with children his own age.
Koorana’s early childhood intervention specialists and educational team gave Alf and his family the tailored support needed through our ‘Team around the child’ approach, and we have seen an incredible change. At home, with the support of Koorana, Alf’s family helped him develop play and language skills, which he practiced in small groups at preschool.
Twelve months later, Alf is a bright little boy who enjoys and learns through play. He has found ways to communicate and express his needs and feelings to those around him.
With targeted support at home and preschool, Alf has progressed from a child with no play skills or interest in others to seeking out favourite toys, popping bubbles and engaging in chasing games with other children. He participates in action songs with his peers, singing ‘row, row, row the boat’ and acting out ‘monkeys on the bed’.
Alf*
* All names and images have been changed for privacy reasons.
Elizabeth*
* All names and images have been changed for privacy reasons.
At two years old, Elizabeth’s mum was concerned. Elizabeth was a bright and happy child, but she wasn’t speaking and conversing with her peers. Elizabeth had a vocabulary of less than five words, compared to peers who spoke over 100 words. Elizabeth’s mum saw her GP who recommended Elizabeth have her hearing checked and see a speech pathologist.
Elizabeth’s family is on a student visa while her father studies and unfortunately these costs are out-of-pocket. It took the family six months to save for the required appointments and eventually Elizabeth had her assessments.
Now two and half years old, Elizabeth’s speech had fallen even further behind her peers. This was resulting in more and more behaviours of concern as Elizabeth struggled to communicate with her peers and was frustrated by this.
The assessment of both professionals pointed for the need for ongoing speech therapy for Elizabeth to support her – with a recommendation of weekly sessions to start. At a rate of $193.99 per hour, plus travel, this was not realistic for her family.
Her parents, ever committed to her wellbeing, decided to save and give her what therapy they could. It took several months to save for the first appointment and by the time she attended, she was nearly three years old. The gap between Elizabeth and her peers after this year of missed therapy was now more profound than ever. While Elizabeth was attending free local playgroups and a community preschool, she desperately needed regular professional support specifically around her speech.
Children like Elizabeth need your help. The gap for children who are not eligible for the NDIS is significant and we don’t want to see children like Elizabeth falling behind. Make a donation today to support us provide them with free early intervention therapy.
George* is autistic, and he has always loved flags and learning about different countries. I couldn’t believe my eyes the day I saw him working together with a typically developing child on a map project.
They made a ‘World Explorers’ corner so the children could explore different countries through books, crafts, and music and it was all because of George. All the children learned how to work and play with George. How wonderful!
George’s Mum
George*
* All names and images have been changed for privacy reasons.
