Check out our client Austin learning how to bake with his support worker, Alka!

Our eleven-year-old “Junior MasterChef” was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder when he was 18 months old. He has been receiving care services from Afea since 2019. In addition to weekly support from Afea Carers, he also accesses allied health services such as occupational therapy, speech pathology and psychology, all through the NDIS.

His therapy is focused on learning life skills so he can be more independent – whether he’s baking goodies in the kitchen or going to school.

We spoke with Austin’s mother, Marybeth, to talk about their experience and their future goals. Keep reading to learn more!

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and Austin, and how you discovered Afea?

My son Austin is 11 years old. He was diagnosed with autism when he was 18 months old, and we have been going to therapy since then to support him.

Two years ago, we changed psychologists, and the new psychologist mentioned to me that we can access respite services through the NDIS. They recommended Afea because their other patients are supported by Afea as well. We’ve been with you since 2019.

Can you tell us about your experience? In what ways have we helped you?

It was a bit of a trial-and-error with the carers because I need a carer I can trust. I was hesitant to let the carer and Austin go on their own because my son has the tendency to abscond or run away. We found a carer who was amazing with him, and when she left we were assigned Alka, who is great with Austin.

Austin’s therapy is around teaching him life skills, so I would teach him how to bake and Alka would teach him how to wash the dishes.

She’s very patient with him. Every Friday she would take him to the park or the shopping centre.

I don’t feel the need to accompany them anymore because these places are near our home and Austin likes Alka. His goals include accessing the community and learning danger signs so he can stay safe and join social activities outside the home. These trips with Alka help with those goals.

What are your/Austin’s future goals?

Austin will be starting high school soon, and I’d like him to continue learning life skills so he can live independently and go to school on his own.

Expert care from Afea Care Services

Our amazing support workers will provide you with compassionate care at home and in the community to help you live more independently, achieve your goals and get the most out of life! Contact us now to begin receiving care.