A big thank you to all who have asked about my little boy's progress. It's been a while since we've shared our experiences with Delaney, so here's a bit of an update. For those of you who are not familiar with Delaney's plight you can read up about it here and here. At the same time we'd like to give a big thank you for those who helped in last years fundraising efforts to ensure Delaney received the assistance he needed. It was a big help.



We expected that after such a long break from routine during the Christmas vacation, Del 's progress would have taken one or two backwards steps. To our delight Del started his first day as a grade one student where he left as a kindy kid at the end of last year. Like other boys his age he wants to become a Fireman when he grows up. Because of his autism however his interest in fire engines goes a little further than other boys, I am sure that after a bit more research, he will be able to explain all within earshot the complex mechanisms involved in making the drivers side air seat go up and down.

Before the new school year commenced we agreed with the teaching staff of the Tyalgum public school that we would keep a Full time teachers aid with Del for the duration of the first term, we would then commence the slow process of weaning Del off his carer's to ensure that eventually he would be able to participate in classroom activities unassisted. . In February our school headmaster presented us with a worst case scenario budget of $25,600 for the year. That was after the figure of some $6400 contributed by the education department was taken away. To say this was a sobering meeting was an understatement but as a parent you do what you have to do.

After the first term Delaney has made satisfactory progress. He is very advanced in Literacy to the extent he now goes to a special advanced literacy class with two of his fellow classmates every morning. This class comprises mainly of nine year olds, Delaney turns seven in September. Ironically after an assessment with an occupational therapist a few weeks ago, his assessment revealed that because of his poor muscle tone (a common condition found in autism) his handwriting skills are unlikely to progress past being able to sign his own name and perhaps be able to write in his own style of shorthand. It was recommended that Delaney be taught to touch type as soon as possible. We will take on this advice but we will also continue to encourage Del 's handwriting skills.

We were hopeful that with the Economic stimulus package that was given to the schools by the Rudd Government, that some of that funding could be used for extra teaching staff.