BUSHkids Annual Report | 2023-24

Annual Report • 2023–24

Great skill and empathetic understanding needed … view at ► https://t.ly/2pA9t Watch Monica share insights into how BUSHkids’ practitioners skillfully tackle challengingly complex health issues in young children: digital readers may click to watch the video; print edition readers can type the short link into a browser or scan the QR code on page 16 to see BUSHkids 2024 videos.

Dylan’s story, and how he met Senior Coordinator Monica With a Bachelor of Behavioural Science majoring in Psychology and Disability Studies, nearly a decade working with children and families, and ongoing professional Monica met Dylan when he was 4 years old, when his mum

By working to understand Dylan, his individual needs, and the needs of his family, and with input from his health care team and service providers, Monica was able to effectively advocate for Dylan during the plan reassessment process. Her advocacy resulted in a new, funded plan that met Dylan’s support needs, including the ongoing care provided by his in-home support workers, and assistive technology such as a wheelchair, something crucial for Dylan’s independent mobility during his first year of school.

approached BUSHkids in preparation for his annual plan reassessment. She was concerned that Dylan’s current plan was no longer adequately meeting his needs. Dylan was requiring significant support to communicate with others and participate in daily self-care and learning activities. In addition, Dylan’s underlying joint hypermobility and low muscle tone significantly impacted his gross motor development, and physical endurance. His mum expressed concerns to Monica regarding Dylan’s regression in oral con sumption of food, with most of his nutrition being delivered via his PEG device. Dylan’s mum also expressed concerns about some of Dylan’s behaviours, and difficulties he experienced engaging in social and community activities. She was anxious to ensure he was supported in transition to school for 2024.

development, Monica became a Senior Coordinator in our ECA team. She supports Early Intervention Facilitators who carry a caseload of families – often with challenging circumstances — through complex disability and life circumstances for the child and family. When he was just 3 weeks old, Dylan* was diagnosed with an extremely rare genetic condition that affects many parts of the body and causes congenital malformations, as well as neurological and developmental difficulties. Infants with this condition have low muscle tone, feeding difficulties, and a slower growth rate than other infants.

The family expressed their gratitude:

“Plan review time can be stressful; however, our coordinator was extremely

Dylan received his first NDIS plan at 8 months of age.

proactive and pleasant to deal with through the entire process. We received valuable guidance that resulted in us securing a plan that supported Dylan (and our entire family) through this big year as he transitioned to school. Thank you.”

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