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Living life her way: Helen’s story
This World Cerebral Palsy Day, we’re celebrating Helen, a much-loved...
Oskar Sims
For most of us, a playground is a place to have fun, whether it’s swinging on the monkey bars or racing down the slides. However, for seven-year-old Oskar, a playground is essential for his emotional and behavioural regulation. Diagnosed with Level 3 autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Oskar is nonspeaking and communicates using an Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) device, gestures, and Key Word Sign (KWS). His world is shaped by sensory experiences, which help him feel calm, safe, and connected.
Oskar relies heavily on sensory input throughout the day, and a sensory profile and multiple observation sessions across his school, home, and therapy hub revealed that he seeks significantly more input than other kids his age in areas such as vestibular (movement), tactile, proprioceptive (body awareness), and oral sensory processing.
The story continues...
When Oskar is at school, he often turns to playground equipment when he feels upset, unsettled, or overwhelmed. Access to swings, climbing frames, and other sensory-rich activities play a key role in helping him to regulate his emotions.
At home, Oskar didn’t quite have the same access to similar equipment, which meant that he was seeking sensory input by climbing high-risk structures like the neighbour’s fence or the shed roof, which caused safety concerns for Oskar’s family and his therapy team.
Meeting these sensory input needs became a priority and Oskar’s parents and his team identified that the L Quest 2 Pro playset by Vuly was the perfect solution, as it included an elevated, waterproof hideout structure, cargo net and X-Brace stability system. Unfortunately, the NDIS informed Oskar’s family that they were unable to use their available core supports funding for the purchase, but thanks to a Rocky Bay’s Wishing Tree grant, Oskar’s dream playset became a reality!
How we helped
Since installing the Vuly playset, the impact it has had on both Oskar and his family has been nothing but positive. It’s now a daily, essential part of Oskar’s routine, he uses it before and after school and throughout the weekends. It’s also brought about a difference for Oskar’s family. “The playground has had a huge positive impact on our daily life as a family.” says his mum Laura, “Oskar can go outside to regulate and reset, which leads to calmer afternoons and evenings. It has reduced overwhelm, stress, and emotional escalation, helping routines run more smoothly for everyone in the household”
For them, the Wishing Tree grant didn’t just fund equipment, it’s also given Oskar a safe space to thrive and his family a sense of security and peace of mind. “This playground has been truly life-changing for our family. Having a safe, accessible space for Oskar to regulate his body and emotions has been one of our biggest supports. The constant absconding has reduced significantly, and knowing he has a safe place to move and regulate has eased our anxieties as parents.”
A few words
“This playground has been truly life-changing for our family. Having a safe, accessible space for Oskar to regulate his body and emotions has been one of our biggest supports. The constant absconding has reduced significantly, and knowing he has a safe place to move and regulate has eased our anxieties as parents.”
- Laura Sims
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