My dear friends Bronwen and Johnny are needing some financial support to help get their 7-year-old daughter assessed for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).

In 2024 their daughter started her first year of school. It became increasingly clear as the weeks went on that Lou was experiencing separation anxiety, and was exhibiting behaviours that made Bron and Johnny believe that she may have ASD/ADHD.

The school struggled to support Lou to make it more accommodating for her to attend school – Lou has a hard time with new people, new environments and transitioning from one task to another. Her ability mask during school hours also meant that teachers weren’t seeing what her parents were. A child who was having severe, violent meltdowns at home, because of the nervous system dysregulation she experienced from a school that was not safe for her.

She has not attended school since October 2024.

Her parents sought a lengthy and financially taxing assessment for Lou through a psychology practice that was not neuro-affirming. Despite very clear and obvious ASD symptoms exhibited by Lou, they diagnosed her with separation anxiety. They also failed to complete the assessment process adequately (a complaint has been raised with the Health Commissioner about this).

The family has spent more than $5000 for the assessment along with psychology, occupational therapy and GP appointments.

Without a diagnosis the school did not take Lou’s struggles seriously which has ultimately led to her being unable to attend school for the last 10 months.

Johnny quit his fulltime job in September 2024 to care for Lou fulltime, leaving the family financially struggling.

They are also supporting their 4-year-old son Nash, who has Achondroplasia – a form of dwarfism. Nash has a lot of health needs that can be financially challenging to support and the current circumstances have affected Bron and Johnny’s ability to provide him the best care they can.

They are paying for regular tutoring for Lou which is costly, along with regular GP, and paediatrician appointments.

Having Lou properly diagnosed with ASD/ADHD would be the first step in helping her return school and would allow the family for more ongoing support.

Bron and Johnny are some of the most lovely people you will meet, who despite the ongoing mental, emotional and financial stress they experience, are still getting up each day to advocate for their kids.

Please consider donating whatever you can to help this amazing family.