“Our social life was non-existent before Praxis Care. We couldn’t go to restaurants, we were able to get a couple of nights here and there but they were very sporadic.”
The Challenges of Caring for a Child with Complex Needs
Fiona’s life as the mother of 13-year-old Isaac, who has a dual diagnosis of intellectual disability and autism, has often felt like a journey through uncharted waters. Isaac has always had difficulty with communication, and his condition means he can’t express his needs or discomforts in a way Fiona and her husband can easily understand. “When Isaac’s sick, we can’t tell until it’s too late. Unfortunately, this means he’s spent a lot of time in hospitals,” Fiona shares.
But Fiona and her husband remained committed to Isaac’s well-being, despite the personal and financial toll it took on their family. The cost of private specialists, additional treatments, and special accommodations only added to the burden. “We’ve spent years managing his care—hiring specialists, seeking private consultations, and paying for things that the public healthcare system doesn’t cover. It has been exhausting, both emotionally and financially,” Fiona says.
A New Beginning with Praxis Care
Everything began to change when Fiona’s social worker suggested they explore respite care through Praxis Care. The service has provided Fiona with the opportunity to take a step back and focus on her family’s needs without sacrificing Isaac’s care.
“Our social life was non-existent before Praxis Care. We couldn’t go to restaurants, we were able to get a couple of nights here and there but they were very sporadic. So really our lives have opened up since Isaac started going to Praxis Care. Our younger son definitely now has a better quality of life too because he gets to go to restaurants and hotels and do lots of nice little things that he was missing out on” she explains.
Isaac has also seen benefits from attending the service. One of the most remarkable improvements has been Isaac’s increasing ability to communicate his needs. “He’s now able to ask for things, which is something we didn’t think would happen. Before, he’d just point and get frustrated if we didn’t understand. Now he is asking for things like going back for another visit to Praxis Care!’” Fiona says with pride.
Advice for Other Parents
“It’s a marathon, not a sprint,” Fiona advises. “Be on the ball. When you get the diagnosis, get them down for a preschool placement as soon as possible, get them the best spot. Be ahead with the school placements. Find good services and work on their social skills as well. It’s never easy to bring Isaac to places, but we now bring him everywhere, and that is sheer determination. He’s out in the community all the time.”