Hi

I'm Leah, Mum to 7yo Digsy.

We have been through alot the last couple of years with domestic violence and then 2 years of homelessness after separation. It's been a tough road without safe and supportive family around us, and so we are largely on our own. There are multiple FVRO's in place against a family member and ex-husband. I am on a disability pension, I had started a micro business but I've been unable to work in that effectively due to the impacts of recent trauma and parenting a neuro-divergent child being so overwhelming.

We've just finally got state housing and finally have a safe place to be. Now the rebuilding commences.

Digsy is 7, shes bright, creative, joyful and full of life and incredibly intelligent. She loves maths, building things and creating, singing, horses and nature. She's also most likely Autistic, ADHD & PDA. This is on the advice of our GP who has known her her whole life.

Because of the situation, we've not been able to get assessment and support for Dignity for her additional developmental needs. In addition, the trauma that we have gone through as a family has exacerbated things.

Dignity needs to get an assessment for neuro-divergence. This will then enable her to get an NDIS plan which will fund OT, support workers and various therapies to help her to reach her potential.

In the public system it is a 2-5 year wait for an assessment. Digsy is on the list but we need an assessment as soon as possible.

Her mental health is suffering with questions like, why am I different, why can't I cope, why can't I make friends. She needs more help than I can give her.

Our GP has said there are clinics opening up there books who can get Dignity in and assessed within a couple of months. However these are privately funded and *after* medicare rebates there will still be $2000-$3000 out of pocket costs. As well as travel down to Perth for assessments (we are regional WA), as well as interim therapy support for Dignity for the time it will take to get her onto the NDIS.

I hate asking for money, but I am now doing so because we are at a crisis point, we cannot go on like this, and I need to get my little girl the help she needs ASAP.

We would be grateful for anything anyone can spare.

With much love and appreciation,

Leah