Every child deserves to feel safe, supported, and understood in the classroom. Sadly, for some children this is not the case.

Three years ago, Ryan and his mum Bree were struggling. School had become an overwhelming place for Ryan, each day was filled with challenges and isolation. Bree recalls, “Mainstream school was hard for us. Most days, I’d receive a phone call to come and collect him because the unexpected noises or the feeling of the uniform overwhelmed him, and he could not cope.”

 

Despite the love of his family and the support of a few dedicated teachers, Ryan’s spirit and his learning were slipping away. By Year 2, school had become so difficult for Ryan, that he had stopped attending altogether. Faced with this difficult reality, Bree made the tough decision to leave her job and take on the responsibility of supporting Ryan’s education at home.

Sadly, Ryan is not alone. Right now, 1 in 20 autistic children are not attending school and 3 in 4 children who are attending, are struggling. For 57 years, Autism Queensland (AQ) Schools have been a lifeline for autistic students and their families - creating safe, nurturing environments where autistic children like Ryan thrive. “At AQ Ryan doesn’t feel like he is the problem but rather everyone is there to support him if he has a problem.” says Bree.

Every day we hear from desperate families who cannot afford the evidenced based autistic education program that their child urgently needs to succeed. That's why this Christmas we are launching the Autism Queensland (AQ) Scholarship Fund. Together, we can make specialised, life-changing education available to more autistic students across Queensland. With your support, the fund will offer hope to students and their families who, due to financial hardship, would otherwise be unable to enrol in an AQ school. The program supports vulnerable autistic children to attend school; empowering them to achieve their potential, build confidence, and thrive.

Like Ryan, every child deserves the gift of education.

When Ryan joined AQ School, he entered a world designed just for him. Bree explains, “Having a team of people that understand he is not naughty, but his behaviour is telling us something.  They understand how he sees things differently”. In the small classes, with teachers who understand his unique needs, Ryan has blossomed. He’s found friends, writes books and has discovered a love for animals – devoting his time to caring for his rescued greyhound. With his newfound confidence, Ryan’s now asking if he might one day go to university!

AQ School’s Principal, Cathy Drummond, explains, “Our schools are specialised. We consider each child’s interests and how they learn best. We keep our classes small with only 6 to 8 children in each room. Our experienced teachers, therapists and aides work together to design individual plans for every child. We navigate the challenges and celebrate the strengths of each child, giving them the best opportunity to achieve their unique goals.”

This Christmas, you have the power to give an autistic child the life changing gift of education. All kids deserve a chance to learn in a school setting that is safe for them, with teachers who understand them and support staff who offer the help they need to succeed.  For children like Ryan and his family, being able to go to school means everything.

Your donation will transform the life of an autistic child like Ryan. Thank you for your kindness and generosity. Merry Christmas! from Autism Queensland.

Please, Give the Gift of Education this Christmas.