Braydn and Dimity
Content Warning: These stories are about violence, abuse, neglect and exploitation and may include references to suicide or self-harming behaviours. They may contain graphic descriptions and strong language and may be distressing. Some narratives may be about First Nations people who have passed away. If you need support, please see Contact & support.
‘It is like he is not welcomed anywhere.’
Braydn, seven, is autistic and has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
His mother, Dimity, told the Royal Commission she thought ‘things would be easier’ following his diagnosis, but that hasn’t been the case.
‘Even with all the medication and fortnightly sessions of OT [occupational therapy], speech and psychology, his behaviour has become escalated and violent.’
Dimity believes Braydn’s school is failing him.
‘While the school “says” all the right inclusive things I don’t feel they have the training or the expertise to deal with my son.’
The school’s strategy – to exclude Braydn from class and suspend him – isn’t working and makes things worse.
‘I feel my child is in limbo – he can’t cope with state school … His IQ is too high for a special school.’
Dimity has investigated sending Braydn to a specialist autism school but she can’t afford the fees.
She has also considered homeschooling him but, as a single parent ‘with 100 per cent care’, she needs to work full time.
Every day is a struggle.
‘I feel that my son is losing out on his education. He is a very bright kid with things that he is interested in, but due to his outbursts and lack of ability to self-regulate he is sent to the office or home regularly.’
Dimity has to leave work almost every day to collect Braydn. She says it is not sustainable for Braydn or for her.
‘Parents of kids with disabilities need support and streamlined systems. We are dealing with so much – all the paperwork, phone calls, appointments and the child and what comes with the disability. It takes a toll.’
Dimity is trying to enrol Braydn in a ‘bush school’ part time but the ‘bureaucratic red tape’ might mean he will be unable to attend.
Dimity can’t understand why the education department isn’t jumping at the opportunity to help Bradyn.
‘In this day and age, it is ridiculous to think the standard schooling system is adequate for neurotypical and neurodivergent kids,’ Dimity said.
‘My hope of the future of schooling for neurodivergent children would be choice. More options of schooling, as these kids learn in different ways and in different environments. Australia is a brilliant country. Let’s be world leaders in educating and adapting school for neurodiverse children.’
Disclaimer: This is the story of a person who shared their personal experience with the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability through a submission or private session. The names in this story are pseudonyms. The person who shared this experience was not a witness and their account is not evidence. They did not take an oath or affirmation before providing the story. Nothing in this story constitutes a finding of the Royal Commission. Any views expressed are those of the person who shared their experience, not of the Royal Commission.