I would like to introduce you all to my son Brooklyn. Brooklyn was diagnosed with Autism when he was just 3 years old and since then we have had several more diagnosis on top of this. These include Sensory Processing Disorder, ARFID, Learning difficulties, Visual Impairment, Visual Processing Disorder and the most detrimental High Anxiety leading to panic attacks and seizure. Before the anxiety Brooklyn was a happy little boy who enjoyed school and life. He loved going to school and loved his friends, being kind and caring to all those that knew him. Unfortunately in 2021 Brooklyn suffered his first ever panic attack which lead to a prolonged seizure and a near drowning incident. Let me explain, Brooklyn was paddling in the sea in what would be his last ever family holiday in Kent, when he experienced anxiety and a panic attack. When this occurred Brooklyn started seizing and took myself, husband, his 3 siblings, plus 2 wonderful strangers to get him to safety and save his life. The seizure lasted 45 minutes and due to the swallowing of water he had a near drowning experience. Little did we know that once he recovered that moment in time would change his life and our family for the worst. Brooklyn began avoiding school, going in shops or travelling in the car. Little by little his world became smaller until he became trapped in the safety of our home. Now for the hardest part, Brooklyn has not left the house since June 2022 and receives all his care and education at home, however despite all the love and support of his family and professionals working with him, Brooklyns ability to cope with the world around him is very limited, including where he feels safe in the house. He spends most of his time in the kitchen doing school work and receiving therapy or playing his beloved Roblox game.

I would really like help to raise money so that I can build a little office shed so that he can have his own space downstairs to continue his schooling and much needed therapy. At the moment we are unable to access our kitchen from 9-3, Monday to Friday and this is having a huge impact on our family life. Little things like cooking, cleaning and washing are restricted during these times and my three other children are being impacted. I have tried all sorts of avenues, charities, local authority and social services, but as always there is never any funding for the SEND children who are in desperate need.

I would never usually ask others for help but I would really appreciate any support from those that know our family and also those that know how hard it can be to raise a SEND child that is lost in the system.

Thank you for reading and taking the time to get to know Brooklyn.