Austy's continued Specialist Education

Hi, I'm Michael, and I'd love to introduce you to Austin!

Austin is 10, and obsessed with penguins, jokes, and all elements of video gaming, from level design, to gaming music and speedrunning. He hopes to work in gaming some day, loves meme songs, and will happily tell you all about his current plans and story ideas.

While his mother and are no longer together, we both hold his wellbeing close to our hearts and in our families.

Back in preschool daycare, a leader indicated to us that Austin was showing signs of not being a typical child. After years of appointments, tests, and support, he was classified as level 2 ASD.

But to us, he's still our cheeky, bright boy. He was enrolled in public school, with some personal assistants in place and was thriving until this year.

The challenges of Grade 4, mixed with some unexpected routine changes, and his sensitivity to social challenges and overstimulation lead to regular meltdowns and early pick-ups, and his school was, unfortunately, not equipped to keep up.

After several attempts at rebuilding a peaceful environment for him, we settled on sending him to a private Autism specialist school. He began to thrive again, renewing interests and building confidence. Funding this would require me to find another source of income, but the benefits were well worth it.

Unfortunately, my current partner and I were forced to deliver his baby brother, (also pictured,) 2 months early, followed up by weeks in the NICU and other medical difficulties. This left me unable to contribute to school fees how I planned, and Austin may not be able to continue unless I'm able to raise the outstanding amount.

Any amount will be helpful in paying for his continued education, and paying back the generosity of family who have helped. Beyond that it can go to upcoming years fees, and ease a little pressure in a time where everyone is struggling.

Thank you for listening to our story, and hope we've convinced you to help out.