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Living life her way: Helen’s story
This World Cerebral Palsy Day, we’re celebrating Helen, a much-loved...
'B'
Lego, monster trucks and cars. Three of the top topics of conversation for seven-year-old Rocky Bay customer ‘B’! Lively B is described by his mum, Rachel, as “cheeky and funny,” with an infectious happiness that captures the heart of those he meets.
Despite his bundles of energy, B faces daily challenges – with autism, ADHD and traits of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) making some everyday activities feel overwhelming or controlling.
For B, something as routine as brushing his teeth can become a long and exhausting process, sometimes taking hours. To help him cope, Rachel has learned to reframe instructions as choices, offering him a sense of control that makes tasks more manageable.
The story continues...
Rachel first noticed that B was developing differently when he was around two and a half. With nearly two decades of experience working with children, she recognised early sensory signs – his dislike of messy hands, sensitivity to touch and growing social struggles.
While a formal diagnosis didn’t come until he was just over five, Rachel had already begun seeking support long before that.
“It didn’t change everything overnight,” she explains of his diagnosis, “because we’d already started early intervention.” B had already been accessing occupational therapy (OT) and speech therapy, and these supports continued after diagnosis through the NDIS.
Over time, his needs evolved, and his support network expanded.
How we helped
This is when Rocky Bay came in. Wanting therapy that could be delivered in B’s school environment, Rachel searched for providers and found Rocky Bay offering in-school OT.
After joining, the family quickly noticed the benefits, not just in the therapy itself, but in the way services worked together.
“The communication has been really good,” Rachel says. “The OT talks to me, works with the teacher, and then when we added physio, they all worked together.” This coordinated, holistic approach meant B’s supports weren’t happening in isolation – they were reinforcing one another in meaningful ways.
It was B’s physiotherapist who recommended exploring physical activity programs to help generalise his skills and build social confidence. One program stood out: Active Autism, a supportive sporting group designed specifically for children with autism.
Rachel first discovered Active Autism through a local early intervention centre, but the cost was a significant barrier, being far more expensive than mainstream children’s sports programs, reflective of the specialised staff and smaller group sizes required.
As a single mum, Rachel carefully balances what’s possible. “These little kiddos need that little bit extra,” she says. “But the extra things are always expensive.”
When funding through the NDIS wasn’t approved, a Rocky Bay clinician suggested applying for a Wishing Tree grant.
The Wishing Tree grant is a Rocky Bay initiative, with funding designed to help people access therapies, programs or experiences that fall outside traditional support systems.
Whether it’s joining a specialised activity group like Active Autism, accessing equipment or trying something new, it can help turn small wishes into impactful, life-enhancing opportunities.
The application was successful, covering the cost of a full term of Active Autism. For B, the impact was immediate.
The program is described as a gentle, flexible introduction to physical activity. In the younger group, sessions are largely free play, but as children progress, more structure is introduced. For B, this was exactly what he needed, a balance between freedom and guided interaction.
“He absolutely loves it,” Rachel says. “He comes home saying he wants to go back.”
During sessions, children are encouraged to engage in activities like ball skills, balance exercises and simple group games. The approach isn’t rigid. Instead, it focuses on encouragement and participation, allowing children to build confidence at their own pace. Parents are actively involved too, helping guide their child through activities rather than watching from the sidelines.
For B, this environment has been transformative. He’s engaging with other children, responding well to instructors and exploring new physical skills in a supportive setting. While he may not yet talk about friendships at home, Rachel sees the connections forming in real time – smiles, shared moments and growing confidence.
The benefits extend far beyond sport. Programs like Active Autism help children develop social awareness, coordination and resilience, skills that carry into everyday life. For B, it’s also a space where he doesn’t feel different, but understood.
Importantly, the program respects his need for autonomy. Children are given choices rather than demands, aligning perfectly with strategies Rachel uses at home. This consistency reinforces his progress and helps him feel safe and in control.
Whilst the Wishing Tree grant funded one term, Rachel hopes to continue if possible. Even short-term access, she says, has made a difference. “Even if it’s just the exposure, there’s so much value – the social side, the physical skills, being around other children like him.”
Rachel believes more families should have access to opportunities like this. She points out the stark contrast between mainstream sports fees and specialised programs, questioning why similar subsidies aren’t available.
“Sport is such a big part of development,” she says. “Especially for kids who might struggle in those areas.”
A few words
“Even if it’s just the exposure, there’s so much value – the social side, the physical skills, being around other children like him.”
- B's Mum
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