There’s really not anything or anyone else I can think of that could get me to run anywhere but as most people know…for Robbie I’ll pretty much do anything!

Prior to finding Play2Talk, we were struggling to find anyone on our page. We had a child that was developing differently and an unbelievable speech therapist who understood Robbie but apart from that all other professionals we met greeted us with a patronising nod, a mother in denial, a parent who doesn’t want to see what their child isn’t. I say what their child isn’t because all we heard about was what Robbie couldn’t do and where he ‘failed’. We felt that our amazing, lovable, clever, perfect child was essentially being written off just because he was different.

As a parent I wasn’t going to stand by and watch it but I couldn’t find anything anywhere that was the right place for Robbie. He needed something that seemingly didn’t exist. We were looking for an education, not a babysitting service.

After what felt like endless nights and days searching for something, somewhere, where Robbie could thrive and learn and be appreciated, I came across Play2Talk on google. I immediately emailed and asked if we could apply for Robbie. At this point I don’t think I even knew what I was applying for. All I knew was that this was the only place I could find that might be able to be something positive for Robbie.

From the minute we walked in for Robbie’s initial assessment I know I had found the place. Robbie was a person, he was appreciated, he was celebrated. They called him clever, they spoke to him not over him. They celebrated his knowledge and achievements. They understood where we were coming from and how we see Robbie. They saw him the same way. They spoke about WHEN he does his GCSE’S and his unbelievable skills and his amazing brainy ways. They didn’t focus on making him something he wasn’t to fit a narrative he didn’t fit into. He was Robbie and only Robbie.

Within weeks of starting at Play2Talk, Robbie was talking and making requests. His communication and understanding skills sky rocketed and they continue to do so. Robbie has literacy skills and numeracy skills that he would never have had in any other setting. They talk about how clever he is and celebrate ALL his milestones.

Additionally, Play2Talk is a home away from home. When Robbie runs into the building in the morning there’s no doubt in my mind that he’s in the safest place with the kindest people. They are there for all his needs, they are a family and we are all a part of it.

For us Play2Talk is the difference between a life and no life. Play2Talk is the difference between social communication and no social communication. It’s the difference between stress and no stress. It’s been a life line.

I never ask for donations to anything but this is really important. The more charity money Play2Talk can access the more waves they can make in a world which is completely uncatered for. We need to provide for all the Robbie’s and let as many children as possible share the privilege that Robbie has because that’s exactly what Play2Talk is. A privilege.

A bit about BlueSkyAutism:

We are a small charity with big plans! We provide early therapy and education to children aged 0-8.

Based in London but working worldwide, we have 2 nurseries, a therapy centre and a Reception class to support children in the earliest stages of their developmental journey.

We use play to support children to communicate, learn and engage with the world around them. In focusing on a child's individual strengths and needs we help them reach their fullest potential.

By raising much needed funds you are helping us to keep on changing some special little lives!