Where do I start? My name is Rhian Wootten and I have the privilege of being a twin Mum! Better than that, I am journeying through the world of special needs with my youngest son.

Mason is a funny little pickle, who loves getting into trouble with his brother, Travis. Only downfall, mason has echolalia and speech issues linked to his diagnosis of Overlapping Neurodevelopmental difficulties. Travis has learnt to be Masons interpreter and his carer.

Recently the NHS speech therapist have placed Mason on an open review as they have deemed him to be at an age that he does not require speech intervention. However this is not the case. Mason has now been referred to a private speech therapist who has identified that he is not where he should be for a four year old. His speech is sporadic and very broken. Mason also uses PECs (picture exchange communication) to aid his verbal communication and comprehension.

We as a family need help to properly support Mason and due to budget cuts and funding the NHS are no longer able to support these needs. Therefore we have had to turn to private therapist. Naturally, this is costly, but it is and will be the best option for Mason; giving him the chance of leading a relatively normal life. Or as normal as our little Wootten bubble will let us.