All For Eva Fund - Autism

My beautiful niece Eva was diagnosed with Autism just after her second birthday in November 2013. The shock and heartbreak rippled through our family, leaving us with a lot of questions that we couldn't find answers to.

Donna, Eva's mum buried herself into Autism research and came across a lady by the name of Mandy Mason . Mandy has the credentials of a Board Certified Behaviour Analyst (BCBA). This was just one tick amongst many for this remarkable woman.

Shortly after the diagnosis and many a phone call to and from Donna, she revealed to me her plan to help Eva -  Intensive early intervention, using Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) and Precision Teaching. Donna was to give up her career in the oil & gas industry in January 2014 to dedicate all of herself and time to Eva, a concept that was very difficult for her to grasp at the time.


The Australian Government (DSS) recommends a minimum of 20 hours per week of intensive early intervention, with 30-40 hours showing the best results. Eva is currently only receiving 16 hours per week.
It was during this time that the true cost of Autism was revealed to me and how much the Government funding barely scratched the surface!
With government approved early intervention costing $100 per hour, how was my brother and his wife going to come up with 70k a year for the future success of their daughter?

Shortly after the diagnosis and Donna leaving her career, the decision was made to take out a large loan to cover the costs for the first year of early intervention in 2014. On top of this my brother Arie (Eva's dad) provides the financial support for the intervention by working in excess of 57-60 hour weeks.

2015
Eva then received an ADHD and Fine Motor Dyspraxia diagnosis after months of extreme behavioural issues, including self injurious behaviour and biting Donna, it's extremely upsetting to witness.
Donna remains the full time carer for Eva and sits in the sessions in order to learn the correct techniques to address the challenges that Eva throws at her on a daily basis.
Eva's parents have made sacrifices that I didn't even know were an option, they have liquidated their superannuation, the family home is on the market and Arie sold his pride and joy (1994 Nissan Skyline GTR - to the guys reading this, YES it hurt him to let it go), just to name a few.

2016 & Onwards
Eva currently attends Little Stars School , for children with Autism. Donna has made the decision to pull Eva out from attending mainstream pre-primary and concentrate on the milestones that need to be achieved before going into Year 1 (2017).

In order to get Eva the dedicated support she needs, we're asking for your assistance. We're asking our friends, our family, our friends of friends to spread the word to help donate what you can, doesn't matter what amount, it's all going to Eva. She's a bright little lady that needs your help financially going forward, even when she'll be at school with an aide by her side.

Thank you for reading and if you'd like to know more please don't hesitate to contact me. We have our Facebook page to give you updates on her progress and the happenings of her world.
 
Lots of Love,
Liana XoX