Meet Arjac

"Arjac couldn't talk, he couldn't connect with other children," says mum Kristen.

Arjac was diagnosed with autism when he was just 18 months old.

He struggled with emotional regulation, and would have up to 20 meltdowns a day. Like many autistic children, and his behaviours included head banging, crying, kicking, throwing himself to the floor, hitting others and biting peers.

Arjac is a now different boy. Within 6 weeks of starting at AEIOU, Arjac spoke his first words.

Autism is a journey. AEIOU empowers kids and families.

Parents say it is gut-wrenching when their child is diagnosed with autism. They say that at first, it can feel like there's no hope and no future for their child. Research shows parents raising children with autism experience high levels of stress, and at AEIOU, we know autism affects the whole family.

For over 20 years, AEIOU has offered a safe landing space, combining therapy, early education and care for children with autism, aged 2 - 6. Parents and carers get the support they need, with help to navigate the early years of their child’s development and understand their child's needs while building on their strengths.

Right now, too many children with autism aren't getting the support they need. Without early intervention and the right therapy, a child's potential is hampered.

His first words were “I love you, too” to his mum.

Kristen told us, “That was the best sentence I have ever heard in my life. AEIOU gave me that moment. They gave me my son back."

A big thank you to our Supporters

Your donation can make a real difference in the lives of those who need it most. Whether it's providing communication tools to help give kids their voice, playground equipment to help build their social skills or the salaries for our specialised team.