Brandon the brilliant

Hi, my name is Pauline, and I am Brandon's Mum. He is a wonderful son, and He is great fun. Brandon has severe autism, non-verbal and has sensory processing disorder. This means the way he sees, hears, and feels the world is different from everyone else's. As a family, we believe there is nothing we can't do with Brandon. If we plan it carefully, he loves roller coasters and holidays. Being non-verbal is difficult for him. He is unable to tell us what he wants or needs. Suppose he feels ill, too hot or uncomfortable. As parent carers, we need to be vigilant. We care for him 24/7, and we think it's a privilege to do this.

Brandon can use an iPad to speak, but it is hard for him but he tries. He uses an app that has symbols on it. His iPad is now too old to run the app and cannot be updated. He is now unable to use it. He needs a new one. We use the iPad for hospital appointments, eye tests and the dentist. A yearly subscription to the app is £175.

We also care for other children with learning difficulties; These are children who have had a tough start in life. We have a sensory room at home that Brandon enjoys every day. We could do with one more light. They are not toys; These help autistic people calm down and feel more comfortable.

Thank you for reading and helping us to help Brandon and other children like him.