a message from our founder
Our son, Ashton, was diagnosed in 2016. At the time of diagnosis, Ashton couldn’t tell you he was hungry, thirsty, tired, or sad. He couldn’t tell you if he was hot or cold or even if he was happy. Ashton couldn’t look at us, recognise us, or even his twin sister.
And so we were told Ashton had an autism disorder. It was a six-month process to receive the confirmed diagnosis. Then began the options.
“Early intervention is the key.”
These were the words we heard repeatedly. Yes, there was help in setting us in the right direction, but then what? We wanted more: more information! More answers!
We were told that 15 to 25 hours of intensive intervention each week is needed for a positive outcome. Ashton may need speech therapy, occupational therapy, and psychologists.
We just had to do it; there was no thought that we could not or would not. We needed to ensure Ashton was on the best pathway he could be on. He needed to find HIS ‘place’ in the world. Luckily, we were financially able to make these decisions and put these interventions into place quickly — where many families do not have the money, time, and support to do this.
My heart is heavy when I think of the struggles for the families in the local ASD community. My husband and I are compelled to do something that will give these children a chance to find their place in this world.
Ashton’s Place supports children with autism. The foundation does this by providing:
Our community here on the Gold Coast needs support and access to funds to ensure families can provide the best resources and early intervention services for their children diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Ashton’s Place is a foundation that will help support these local families and offer funding for further research which is needed. It requires combined effort, and needs government, community, and business involvement at all levels to achieve our goals.
Our hope is that we can provide resources to parents and caregivers so they find the strength they need to be an enabler for their child.
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