During these very difficult and often confusing times bibic is working tirelessly to keep offering its vital support, either face to face, or specially adapted services digitally. Whilst wider support has become inaccessible and huge pressure is put on NHS services we keep going thanks to the support from lovely people like you. As you can imagine the need and demand for our trained therapists' help has never been greater.

Zayne is a lively and determined young chap and has just been diagnosed with Autism. He came to bibic on the 1st April 2019 aged just 4, undiagnosed and very unsure.

Zayne's journey

Zayne is very independent so he will get dressed himself, he will have the same breakfast everyday with his dog, Ralph the beagle. If he is not at school, he spends his days bouncing on the trampoline, or at the skate-park, which is his second home! He is an avid scooter rider and will spend hours and hours learning new tricks.

He is not a quitter, if he wants to learn something, he will push himself until he can do it. He absolutely loves walking his dog and they are the best of friends! He is super active so most of the day is spent outdoors. At the end of the day he will choose what is for dinner and he will usually try to sneak Ralph a bit of his dinner.

Zayne is the World record holder for the youngest Tailwhip and youngest double on his scooter and currently has 10.4k followers on his (parent controlled) Instagram profile!

In most cases Zayne seems like the kid next door, but his hidden disability is Autism.

Zayne's bibic journey

Zayne's mum Jordaine explains how they turned to bibic;

"When I started to realise that Zayne might have Autism, I felt really scared and worried. As a mum, its a very unsettling feeling, thinking your child could be diagnosed with a disability and you just want to know and be able to help them with their struggles.

When we were left on hospital waiting lists, I felt useless, frustrated and wasnt sure where to turn, or who to turn to. I knew very little about Autism and just wanted to learn and help him the very best I could. I, like any other mum, didnt want to wait years to be able to understand and help my son, so I turned to bibic - and it was really the best thing Ive ever done".

Zaynes parents booked an assessment suspecting ASD and Sensory Processing Difficulties, the suspicions were also reported to his parents by Zaynes nursery.

On the day the assessment was structured with regular movement breaks to support Zaynes attention and his sensory system. The initial tests were completed with Zayne stood or sat still, as he grew in confidence, the subsequent tests were completed on the floor or while he was engaged in physical activity.

"They got a trampoline out for Zayne so he could answer the questions whilst he bounced - he didnt want to leave at the end of the assessment so that speaks volumes to me!"

The therapist observed that he will frequently avoid establishing eye contact and look away if someone looks at him. He will frequently resist physical contact from others, rejecting hugs or physical affection from others, he will only hug his parents when it is on his terms. He can look unhappy when being praised, however, following suggestions by bibic his parents have observed that when he is given specific praise, he can accept praise.

At times Zaynes reactions to situations can be inappropriate, such as laughing when tears may be more typical. At times he can act in an unreasonably fearful or frightened manner, this tends to be in new social situations, new places and with new people.

He can be repetitive at times and becomes highly upset if routines are changed, he has several routines that are of his own making. He will also line up his toys in a precise order when playing and his mother commented that this is predominantly how he will play with toys.

"I felt so happy to be listened to in the assessment, and the way the therapists were with Zayne was incredible! They find a way to make the assessment work, no matter what, and in a way that your child feels comfortable and happy.

They were extremely thorough and taught me so, so many useful and crucial things about Zayne and what he needs. I felt so relieved someone was listening and helping us as a family at a time when I felt like giving up. It was important for me to know how to help Zayne cope and know the things he needs, and thats exactly what I know now after the assessment. The only thing I regretted was not going to bibic sooner".

Jordaine left with a full assessment report and Zayne was finally diagnosed with Autism in August 2020. The diagnosis has confirmed that they have been doing the right things and using bibic's 'amazing' help, they now feel they are doing good!