Hi, my name is Hayley, and I’m a single mother to an extraordinary, happy, and deeply loved child who lives with non-verbal, severe Autism.

I have been unable to work for 2+ years due to the extensive care Leo needs. Leo is unable to attend school and has spent the last 3 years in inclusive programs built for kids with special needs, each year costing our family over $35,000. We have been advised that Leo will thrive and develop more positively at home. As any parent of a child with special needs knows, the inability to receive proper support for our children is heartbreaking and complex, with no easy solutions.

Leo is in need of an at home Behavioural Interventionist, an Occupational Therapist, Physio Therapy and Speech and Learning Therapy. Leo is unable to talk and only able to communicate with his hands, sounds and alternative communication apps on an iPad. Leo is self injurious and often reacts to frustration by harming himself. Leo is unable to dress or feed himself and needs 24/7 care with the risk of elopement. Leo is unable to use the toilet, which results in him still wearing diapers. We are trying our best to create a safe environment for Leo at home. Giving him his own space for his sensory needs.

This has been the most challenging time in our lives, and to be able to provide Leo with the proper support, I’m reaching out with a humble heart to ask for help.