ASSOCIATION

MEDICAL

FUNDRAISING

HOME

FAQ

OZ LINKS

OZ CONFERENCES

ABOUT CdLS

GALLERY

WORLD LINKS

CONTACT US

ARCHIVES

KIT

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCES

EVENTS

LAURA

DOB: 25 March 1997 - Laura started attending mainstream school for one full day from Jan 06 and our lives are less hectic as we don't have to stress about transport to/from both schools in the middle of the day. She is happy, settled and attends all excursions with the maintstream school, even if it's not her scheduled day to be there. For the other 4 days Laura attends a special school which caters for kids with multiple disabilities. Her communication continues to improve and she regularly attends private speech therapy. Laura has learnt to open door knobs which makes life "interesting", now uses a walking stick for mobility, and is eating and drinking independently. She is still a delight, too cute for words and a very much loved member of the family.
(Photo - Oct 2005)

JESSICA

ELLA

DOB: 13 January 1995 - Ella has a great sense of humour despite the difficulties she has faced so far in her life. She attends a school for Mild Special Needs children and is known by everyone in the school! Ella is speaking very well and is learning other skills rapidly. She is a sheer delight to all who meet her and she certainly keeps us laughing, even in the tough times.
(Photo taken at 6 years of age)

HELEN

DOB: 3 June 1984 - Helen attends Special School, at least for this year, then unsure of options. Helen loves swimming , horse riding and any music. She wears glasses - when she leaves them on, suffers from reflux and respiratory problems at times. Helen uses an adapted fork and spoon, but not very well as they keep getting changed.
(School photo - age 16)

TYLER

DOB: 7 May 1990 - This is Tyler with his best friend and 'enduring' companion Lilly, late last year. Tyler keeps us on our toes and always laughing. He attends a special school for kids with mild disabilities and absolutely loves it - he really enjoys life. Tyler's digestive problems and overall health have improved by eliminating dairy and wheat products from his diet.

LINA and MUM

EMMA

BRODIE

JENNY

JONATHON

ROSEMARY

SEAN

SHIRLEY-ANNE and LOUISE

DAVID

DOB: 15 March 1983 - David attends a day program for adults with intellectual impairment, and occasional respite. Other than that he's at home with mum and dad and 2 younger siblings. We hope for supported accommodation in the not-too-distant-future. David has speech, but no conversation; loves music and singing; has a great memory of peoples' names, and never forgets anyone he's ever met. He's generally happy, but has periods of mood swings, O/CD, and mild self injury. His abilities far exceed predictions, but he has been assessed at a toddler level of ability in many areas of development

ELIZABETH, LAP-SAN, HELEN (sitting), PHILLIPA and KRISTIN

Photo take at Australian National Conference - January 1999

SHIANNA

BRENTON

DOB: 19 August 1997 - Brenton is about to start School Starters at Mater Dei in preparation for commencement at his sister's mainstream school in 2004. He is developing well and has no major physical or health problems. His speech is improving and he is almost toilet trained. Brenton loves singing, dancing, riding his bikes and cars and is a wiz at puzzles. He is loved by all who know and meet him. Brenton does have the occasional behavioural problems, which keeps us on our toes.

JAMIE

DOB: 15 September 2000 - Jamie loves animals, music, outdoors, running and, when happy or sad or angry or excited, screaming! A real character with a lively sense of humour and toddler's determination, he wins hearts and attention wherever he goes. Jamie is beginning to speak and uses Makaton key signs (about 50) to make himself understood (when screaming and laughing don't manage it!).
(Photo Nov '02, aged 2 years 2 months)

SOPHIA

DOB: 10 December 1998 - Sophia was diagnosed with CdLS at about 10 months old. She had been unwell, not gaining weight, tongue tied, and blocked tear duct. Sophia started walking at 22 months. She has been attending day care since she was 7 months old where she has a share care programme. She attends a Special Education Unit, to help with speech and is improving every day. Sophia lives with her mum Catz, 3 brothers, 2 sisters and can't forget her dog "Pup Pup".
(Photo taken at 4 years of age).

COREY

DOB: 10 January 2001 - Corey was diagnosed with CdLS at 6 mths old. He was born with a cleft palate, tongue tied and small jaw resulting in feeding problems and breathing difficulties. Corey is fed through a gastrostomy tube with some oral feeding. He has no major physical or health problems. No speech yet but does a lot of babbling and singing to himself. Corey loves to be sung to and loves his musical toys. He is an absolute delight and spends most of his day smiling and laughing, and charms everyone he meets. Corey has just started a new early intervention program at 'Yooralla' where he attends a play group, music therapy and hydrotherapy. Corey lives at home with his much adoring Mum and Dad, and very tolerable cat "Misty".

KATIE

DOB: 24 December 1990 – Today (Aug ‘06) Katie enjoys a sufficiently improved quality of life due to a successful fundoplication and gastrostomy. Her epilepsy is medication controlled and she displays autistic and SIB behaviours when frustrated or in pain. She enjoys attending her school and loves spending time with her host family once a month. Katie communicates by “take ’n’ show” method and her favourite places are in “nature” or the bath. Katie is developing into womanhood, yet intellectually is at a much lower level. Katie brings love and joy to our world and her brother and mum love her like the angel she is.

DANIEL

DOB: 8 April 2004 – Daniel attends preschool 2 days per week and loves it. He enjoys shape puzzles and any toys which he can makes lots of noise with. Daniel is cruising around the furniture and just about to walk by himself. He is a happy boy and entertains the whole family with his cheekiness.