Hailey’s Story

Undoubtedly, a lack of understanding and guidance about appropriate learning environments for neurodivergent children results in prolonged distress for them and their families. Parents often endure a lengthy path in the quest for answers and solutions. When they reach a crossroads with mainstream schooling, their own educational ideals can be tested.

 

Working full-time in administration at a Christian college, it was natural for Liz to put her daughter Hailey in its childcare, then have her continue with that cohort to Prep and Primary school. Especially because Christian schooling was the top priority for Liz, her husband, and her parents.

 

She had initially thought childcare would help her then 15-month-old overcome clinginess and shyness. However, Hailey was so distraught that it took two weeks for her to join the other toddlers, and even much later, she barely interacted or spoke.

 

Childcare Directors recommended speech lessons as it may help – but Hailey informed her Mum that she simply did not want to talk to anybody.

 

As Prep approached, the Deputy of the school, raised concerns that Hailey simply would not cope socially in Prep.

 

Liz agreed she would struggle but thought that environmental and social change of being with a different class/year group would trigger even more anxiety. So, Hailey continued to Prep the following year with her cohort, and by Hailey’s fourth “difficult” year, all Liz knew was that she had a ‘’very unhappy and angry child.’’

 

After 12 months Liz pushed for answers and action; a referral to a pediatrician resulted in various diagnoses and associated issues at the end of Year 3.

 

Liz and her husband thought that familiarity of the facility and Hailey continuing at the same school would help, but Hailey was placed in a different Year 4 class away from her friend (who also had ASD), exacerbating her distress.

 

After long conversations with Ronwyn, Liz reluctantly agreed to tour Sycamore with her husband and Hailey.

 

 

The outcome of the tour was that Hailey would attend Sycamore but after her very first day, Liz, her husband and her parents decided that their need for Hailey to attend a Christian school was paramount and the decision was made for her to return to her previous school.

 

Hailey was distraught at returning to her old school, who were challenged to meet her needs. Finally, Liz accepted that Sycamore was the right place for her child.

 

Hailey recommenced the next day, and within a fortnight the effect was transformative.

 

“It is two different people,’’ Liz Marvels. ‘’We’re not managing meltdowns constantly. There’s no yelling, no screaming, no crying. If anything, I’ve got the opposite. She talks and talks and talks and sings and sings and sings. There are signs around the house saying, ‘I love school’. You’ve still got to deal with general stuff, but it’s nice that she’s able to relax, because she had at least four years where she couldn’t. So, we’re very, very, very thankful. Academically, the girl who didn’t complete tasks and risked failing is now excelling academically, but more important socially. According to Liz, Hailey declares: ’At Sycamore there’s nothing I can’t do’. She’s never had that confidence before – she’s so proud of herself.’’

 

The biggest lesson Hailey’s journey has taught Liz is: “Keep an open mind and think about it from the child’s point of view’’.