My nephew Max is a gorgeous little boy who is currently not getting the specialist attention that he needs. Max has been diagnosed with Global Development Delay as well as Social Communication Disorder and is currently awaiting a CDAC assessment which will most likely place him on the Autistic Spectrum. It has been a struggle for parents Helen & Lee to get the help that they need for Max with the NHS being over stretched and not enough help within the education sector for children requiring specialised 1:1 support which Max undoubtably needs. Max will be 4 in March and is completely non-verbal, meaning he is behind in learning most things, even from being unable to tell someone he is feeling unwell to being able to be potty trained.

Max has recently attended sessions at Tracks - a specialist early years centre for children with an autistic spectrum condition. They provide a calm learning environment for children on a 1:1 basis, tailoring a unique learning plan that aims to enable each unique child to fulfil their potential. Also giving them an environment to learn, play and explore the world safely.

Max has responded so well to his first sessions it has been recommended that he attends 3 sessions a week in place of his normal nursery time. Unfortunately the mainstream funding that the government provides for all children once at nursery can't be put towards the cost of 1:1 sessions at Tracks so although Max will be taken out of nursery and not using that funding his parents are unable to use the money towards his 1:1 sessions.

The cost for each sessions at Tracks is £45 x 3 per week = £135 a cost that simply cannot be consumed by Max' parents currently.

The development expected over the course of 2-3 sessions a week will hopefully enable Max to say his first words and possibly join a mainstream primary school in September - this would be invaluable to his development and progression over the next few years.